All you need to know about overstay fines in the UAE
The UAE is a multicultural country welcoming tourists, families and professionals from around the world. Overstay fines in the UAE are enforced to maintain a well-regulated visa system and ensure legal residency for all.
AT A GLANCE:
- Legal Compliance: Residents must follow specific set of rules for expats in Dubai to stay compliant.
- Public Benefit: These regulations are designed to ensure public safety and security.
- Overstay Fines: Implemented in Dubai and across the UAE to support this goal and maintain order.
GENERAL RULES AGAINST OVERSTAYING IN THE UAE
The UAE welcomes tourists and business professionals from around the world, but it requires all visitors to comply with local laws. Staying beyond your visa period results in overstay fines.
- Overstay Fines: Visitors who exceed their visa period must pay fines.
- Common Concern: “What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?” is a frequent question among expats.
- Legal Consequences: Overstaying in any country is a punishable offense and each country has its own regulations to address it.
OVERSTAY FINES IN THE UAE
Whether you’re in the UAE on a short-term tourist visa or a long-term residence visa, it’s crucial to keep track of your visa expiration date. Apply for a renewal or modification before your visa ends to avoid penalties. Here’s how to renew tourist visa Dubai.
- Standardised Overstay Fines: As of October 2022, the fine for overstaying is AED 50 per day, regardless of visa type. This includes days used to request documents or update information.
- Grace Period for Residency Visa Holders: After visa cancellation, you have a grace period of 60 to 180 days to change your status or leave the UAE, depending on your circumstances. Overstaying beyond this period can lead to arrest.
Visa Type | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation |
---|---|
Visa Type Golden Visa holders and family members | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 180 days |
Visa Type Green Visa holders and family members | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 180 days |
Visa Type Widows or divorcees | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 180 days |
Visa Type Students who graduated | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 180 days |
Visa Type First and second level skilled professionals (MOHRE) | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 180 days |
Visa Type Third level skilled professionals (MOHRE) | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 90 days |
Visa Type Property owners | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 90 days |
Visa Type Normal residency visa | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 60 days |
Visa Type Other categories | Grace Period After Visa Cancellation 30 days |
- Visit Visa Changes: The previous 10-day grace period for visit visas is no longer offered. Now, a fine of AED 50 per day applies from the day your visa ends.
- Renewal Process: If you apply for renewal but fail to upload the correct documents within 30 days, or if incorrect documents are uploaded more than three times, the renewal request will be canceled, requiring a new application.
Remember, UAE visa overstay fines and grace periods depend on the type of visa you hold.
UAE OVERSTAY FINE CHECK
UAE overstay fine check is possible by two ways.
1. GDRFA FINES INQUIRY SERVICE
- Visit the GDRFA Fines Inquiry Service
- Enter personal details. You can search by Emirates ID, passport number, File number, or UDB number.
- Select whether you have an entry permit or are a resident.
- Provide additional information based on your selection, such as date of birth, nationality, emirate of issuance, or gender.
- View your overstay fine.
2. ICP SMART SERVICES
You can also check fine for over stay in the UAE via ICP Smart Services.
- Visit the ICP Smart Services website.
- Go to Fines > Pay fines > Violations of entry permissions or residences > Pay new fine.
- Choose File number or Citizens of Certain Countries.
- Enter the required details:
- File number: Visa File number, date of birth, nationality.
- Passport number: Passport number and type, date of birth, nationality.
- View any outstanding fines.
Now you know how to check and pay overstay fines in the UAE.
FAQS ABOUT THE UAE VISA OVERSTAY FINE
HOW CAN I PAY OVERSTAY FINES?
Overstay fine payments can be made in one of the following ways:
- In-person: Happiness centres
- Online: ICA website or smart application
HOW TO CHECK OVERSTAY FINE IN THE UAE ONLINE?
How to check overstay fine in the UAE online is a common question. Here’s how you can do that:
- Visit the ICA website
- Search for violations under the entry permission or residences section
- Enter your personal details to view and pay the fine
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF THE UAE OVERSTAY FINE CHECK FOR TOURISTS?
UAE overstay fine check for tourists is possible via the GDRFA website.
HOW TO AVOID OVERSTAYING FINES IN THE UAE?
- Apply for a visa status modification before your current visa expires
- Meet the conditions of the new visa and pay the necessary fees
IS THE FINE FOR OVERSTAY IN THE UAE SAME ACROSS EMIRATES?
Yes, Dubai overstay fine amount is the same as the UAE overstay fine amount. The fine is AED 50 per day regardless of the emirate.
CAN I GET THE UAE OVERSTAY FINE REDUCED OR WAIVED OFF?
- Apply at customer happiness centres with the following documents:
- Passport copy
- Letter stating reasons for the violation or inability to pay
- Other documents as requested by the Fines Committee
- Fee: AED 15.75
CAN I REDUCE OVERSTAY FINE IN ABU DHABI?
You can apply for a waiver or a reduction for all the emirates by following the process stated above.
Tips to Avoid Overstay Fines
- Check your visa status online regularly
- Apply for visa modifications within the given time frame
- Leave before your visa term ends if you cannot apply for a new visa
Government Efforts
- Amer Centres in Dubai provide clarity on visa and overstay status
For more information on UAE visa rules and regulations, subscribe to MyBayut – UAE’s leading real estate blog.
Hi what is the fine for the over stay in the cancellation visa
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
You can check and pay overstay fines at MOI website (https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx)
Have a nice day.
hi sir i am checking my fine
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
You can check and pay overstay fines at MOI website (https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx)
Have a nice day.
How fine in visa
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
You can check and pay overstay fines at MOI website (https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx)
Have a nice day.
i need check my uae visa
Hi, Hi,
You can call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for status check.
Have a nice day.
Hi..
This is Mohammed zuber, currently I’m on cancelled visa, and my graced period ends on 10/4/2020
As Currently all flights are suspended in India till 14/4/2020, Do I need to pay fine for over stay?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Some visas expiring in March have been extended till the end of the year. However, in your specific case, we would suggest you contact the Indian Embassy since flights for repatriation have slowly started operating. You can call at +9714 3971222 / +9714 3971333.
Have a nice day.
Hi am called Edward katumba, As per now am staying on cancelled visa and my grace period ended on 17th may 2o20. All flights in my country still closed (UGANDA).Am I entitled for over stay fine
Hi Edward,
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy. However, we would suggest contacting the Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your case.
Have a nice day.
Please what is the situation on a resident that overstay doing this period of COVID?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
If your visa expired in early March, it has been extended till December 2020.
Have a nice day.
how to fines check
Hi Adeel,
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
To check overstay fines please visit the MOI website (https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx)
Have a nice day.
Can u tell me if am over stay 2 Feb then I have fine or because I want go back home
Hi Rafiq,
Thank you for writing to us.
Please visit the MOI website to check your overstay status.
https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx
Have a nice day.
My visa in Dubai Visa I am holding residence cancel visa where i can pay overstay fine through exit in airport or emigration office, which one is better
Hi Sathies,
Thank you for writing to us.
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy hence you won’t be paying a fine.
Have a nice day.
Please what is the situation for someone who came to UAE to find job and his visa expired doing this period of covid 19, in 1st week of this month visa expired will the person pay for overstay ?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hi, what about cancelled visa status? Its gonna be included for the extended for end of the year? And can renew after that!
Thanks and more power!
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
We suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for clarification about your specific case.
Have a nice day.
My visa end feb 22, 2020, I have penalty? And how to check?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
You can check and pay overstay fines at MOI website (https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx)
Have a nice day.
Have a nice day.
Hi
My visit visa expire on April 15 2020. But before in January I was finish my visit visa then I renewal visa now. But that travel agent change my visa status here but there entry permit number same is there he do visa or that’s automatically done by government I don’t understand
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Sir What About visitor my visa expire on 04th april please confirm me can my visa valid till december?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
My employment visa has been cancelled on dated 06Aprail2020.is it over stay fine will be applicable if I will stay more then 01month..?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. We suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) to get clarification about your situation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
My visa is expiring on may 5 but it updated to 14th of may why it couldn’t update to December 31 as others
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
We suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) to get clarification about your specific case.
Have a nice day.
My mother in on UAE visit visa, which is expiring on 25th April 2020. Looking at COID situatuion, do I need to extend the visa or is it automatically extended till Dec 2020.
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, an automatic visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hi I want to know if the visa is automatic renew upon the exception of all visa. Or we need to apply for the renewal? Thank you.
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, an automatic visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hi, my host company terminated my contract due to COVID and they have just canceled my visa. I understand that the visa office is not operating at the moment to get a new residence visa – do I still only have 30 days to leave?
Thanks!
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hi.
My family visa expired grace period in 18 hi
february.2020
We able for new policy is amnisty the fines till end of 2020year?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
We suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for clarification or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Dear sir my visa validity Augus2020 but my company close because my panser cancelled my visa march 12th2020 still im now UAE any fine will come please update
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for residences expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Please what is situation my residence visa cancel march 24 2020 coz of convid19
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hi,
I just want ask my resident visa has been canceled by my company due to this pandemic they canceled it march 26 2020 and now my grace peeiod has ended will I paymy overstay pls? Thank you
Hi Jasmine,
Some visas expiring in March have been extended till the end of the year. However, in your specific case, we would suggest you contact your home Embassy or GDRFA (800-5111) and seek confirmation regarding your status.
Have a nice day.
my visit visa expires March 15, 2020, how much will be my fine during this covid?
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Will there be a possibility that there will be a n amnesty this Yr.. 2020
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
Hello good sir my emplment viza is cancelld to 12 march and also grace period also finish .my viza also applicable till december .because i dont go back now viza service also suspepded kinldy give me replay
Hi,
Thank you for writing to us.
Due to the COVID-19 restriction, a visa extension was announced by the government for visas expiring in March. However, we suggest you call Amer Centre at 800-5111 (from Dubai) for confirmation or get in touch with your country’s embassy.
Have a nice day.
How can I clear my overstay
Hi Derick,
Thank you for writing to us.
You can pay your overstay fine online via the MOI website.
https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.101.aspx
Have a nice day.
Good afternoon Sir,
In my case my visa expired last May 7, 2019 and we put complained to my boss Nov. and Reopened again the complain Jan and March 2020 and when I reopen the complain March 9 I found out that the sponsor file absconded case to me without knowing of my employer and when I spoke to the PRO they said its not my fault but is my employer fault bec my boss not participating with them thats why they put absconded cause to me.. so I can push or put case to my employer… I told them its unfair bec we are victim and bec they file false absconded case… I file withdrawal of absconded complained in Human resources.. and Lucky this April 2 The MOHRE sent me message and they said they already cancel me in Labour and I need to proceed in Immigration for final cancellation… my Question is …. Am I entitled also for a free fine bec they cancel me April 2, 2020 .?
Hi Ferreras,
Thank you for writing to us.
We would suggest you contact your national Embassy or MOHRE (+971-6-802-7666). Since your case is already under consideration, it would be best that you get official confirmation.
Have a nice day.
Hi, our residential visa got cancelled in dubai in march 2020, we could not change our visa status due to COVID-19, now my husband got a new employment visa, is there any chance for us to waive this overstaying fine due to covid-19,
Hi Rabab,
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy. However, we would suggest contacting the Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your case.
Have a nice day.
HI ,
I cancelled my sharjah visa on march 24th ,i read on gulf news mentioning that visa cancelled will be fined and not for expired visa(it will extend till dec 2020).
kindly suggest me is there any fine for me or i need to take visit visa
kindly suggest
Hi Vishwa,
Thank you for writing to us.
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy. However, we would suggest contacting the Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your case.
Have a nice day.
Hi my visa expire 6june if I live here without renewal no fine coming
Hi Umer,
Thank for your writing to us.
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy. However, we would suggest contacting the Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your case.
Have a nice day.
Hi,
My wife’s residency visa Dubai visa Expired on 7th March and I cancelled her visa on 5th March but due to this suspension of the flight, she is UAE so I need to pay fine on it for overstay.
Hi Dipesh,
Thank you for writing to us.
The UAE government has announced waiving off overstay fines till 18th August if your visa expired before 1st March and 31st Dec if it expired after 1st March. This is a blanket policy. However, we would suggest contacting Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your case.
Have a nice day.
My visa was over last year. Those overstay have a chance to leave the country before 18 August. Can I apply for a Visa and stay in this country?
Hi Chamil,
Thank you for writing to us.
The 18th August concession is a blanket policy for all individuals. As for reapplication, we would suggest contacting Amer Centre (800-5111) to attain clarity for your specific case.
Have a nice day.