How to renew or extend a tourist visa in Dubai

• Application Process
• Visa Renewal Upon Arrival
• Cost
• Extension Fines
• Rules and Regulations

Visa renewal or extension process usually varies according to the type of visa and nationality. If you want to prolong your stay in the emirate, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the process of tourist visa extension in Dubai.

DUBAI TOURIST VISA EXTENSION PROCESS

Visit visa extension in Dubai has become easier with the UAE government’s introduction of online channels and portals. These service channels allow you to conveniently manage entry permits, their validity, extension, and cancellation processes. Let’s first take a look at the visa extension process.

ELIGIBILITY

Before applying for a Dubai visa extension, you must check whether you fit the eligibility criteria. To apply for an extension, you must be a citizen of an eligible country and hold a valid passport with at least 6 months expiry date.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA RENEWAL IN DUBAI

You will need the following documents to renew your tourist visa in Dubai.

• A transcript of the applicant’s passport. Ensure the passport has a minimum validity of six months.
• A passport-size photo with a white background.
• Valid health insurance.
• A ticket to and from your country.
• Proof of a hotel/place of residence.

VISA RENEWAL/EXTENSION SERVICE CHANNELS

There are multiple ways to apply for a visit visa extension in Dubai. You can choose any of the methods listed below. They allow you to extend your visa for one or more trips for the same period.

Via GDRFA

• Through App:
  • Sign up or log in to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) app.
  • Go to the dashboard and open dependent visa details.
  • Tap the “Renew Residence” icon.
  • Fill up the details.
  • Select delivery method.
  • Attach documents.
  • Submit the fee.
  • Wait for SMS/email confirmation.

• Through website:
  • Login/Register to the GDRFA website.
  • Click the “Services Guide”.
  • Go to the “Entry Permissions” option and click “Entry Permissions Sevices”.
  • Scroll down to the “Extension of entry permit” option and click it.
  • Select the most relevant service from the options listed on the site.
  • Click the “Start the Service” icon on the top-left.

Via AMER

• Through website:
  • Go to Amer’s website (amer247.com).
  • Click “UAE tourist visa” in the top-right corner. You will be redirected to a new tab featuring 14 types of tourist visas varying based on the number of days, validity and prices.
  • Select the most relevant one for you and click “Apply Now”.
  • Fill out the form by entering your credentials and travel details (number of passengers, passport copies and photos with white background).
  • Pay the fee.
  • Proceed to the completion of the process.

• Through Sevice Centres:
  • Go to the nearest Amer typing centre in Dubai.
  • Buy a queue ticket and wait.
  • Submit your application.
  • Pay the fee.
  • Wait for your request to proceed.

VISA PROCESSING TIME

Usually visa extension in Dubai takes 3 to 5 business days. However, the time may vary according to your visa type and other specific requirements.

COLLECTION

Once you’re extended visa is processed, you can collect it via the visa application centre or a local post office as directed by the authorities.

HOW TO EXTEND TOURIST VISA IN DUBAI UPON ARRIVAL

Citizens of some countries can renew tourist visa in Dubai upon arrival for the same period. Here’s how to do it.

• Log in to the GDRFAD smart service system through username or UAE Pass
• Search for the visa renewal service
• Fill in the application data
• Pay the service fee

The following citizens can apply for a visit visa extension in Dubai upon arrival:

• USA visa holder
• US National
• UK residence visa holder
• Citizens with residence visa from European Union countries
• Indian national with at least one special visa that is valid for six months or more

COST OF TOURIST VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI

The general visit visa renewal UAE price is AED 600 with a 5% value-added tax. However, for those inside the country, the fee is AED 500.

The following additional fees are applicable if the sponsored person is inside the country.

Please note that the total visit visa renewal UAE price may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the sponsored individual.

DUBAI TOURIST VISA EXTENSION FINE

Visa overstayers who don’t renew their tourist visa will have to pay a fine of AED 50 for each extra day they have overstayed. There used to be a 10-day grace period after which the fine was imposed. However, that is no longer the case, and the fine is imposed right after the day your visa has expired.

VISIT VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI RULES

• There are multiple types of tourist visas in Dubai, including five-year multiple entry tourist visa, Dubai visa on arrival and Dubai Visit Visa for GCC Nationals and Residents.
• You can extend the validity period of UAE visa for additional 30 days, it can be done twice for every 30 days.
• You can stay in the country for up to 120 days within the same year, this is the maximum duration allowed, and after this, you will have to extend your visa.
• Check the expiry date of the first extension and apply for a second renewal before it expires.

EXEMPTION FROM A TOURIST VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI

Certain tourists are not required to apply for a tourist Dubai visa extension. These include:

• Residents in GCC countries
• Visitors accompanied by GCC nationals
• Those on special entry permits
• Those on a “96-hour permit for special missions”

FAQs ABOUT EXTENSION OF TOURIST VISA IN DUBAI & MORE

FOR HOW LONG A TOURIST VISA REMAINS VALID?

The duration of a tourist visa depends upon its type. In Dubai, you may opt for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. According to the new rules, a single-entry visa is valid for 30 or 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days.

WHAT IS THE 1-MONTH VISA EXTENSION DUBAI PRICE?

1-month visa extension Dubai price is AED 600 for a single entry. Please contact GDRFA for the exact cost.

WHO TO CONTACT IN CASE OF QUERIES REGARDING A DUBAI TOURIST VISA?

You can reach out to the following entities:

• GDRFA Dubai: 800-5111
• Amer: +971-4-230-0500

HOW TO RENEW A TOURIST VISA IN THE OTHER EMIRATES OF THE UAE?

You can renew a tourist visa in other emirates of the UAE through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP/ICA). Here is how you can do it:

• Visit the online portal of ICP/ICA.
• Click on the “Services” tab.
• Find “Individual Services” from the drop-down menu and click it.
• Scroll down to the “Extension of a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa” and click it.
• Click the “Start Service” icon in the top-right corner.
• Register via UAE Pass.
• Pay fees.
• Apply to extend permit (Single/multiple entries).

Alternatively, you can visit ICP/ICA-approved typing centres to initiate the visa extension process in the UAE.

DO AIRLINES OFFER A VISIT VISA IN THE UAE?

You can apply for a visit visa through airlines like Etihad Airways, Emirates, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia. Each of them has different conditions. However, their basic condition is that you are flying with them.

CAN I APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE VISA IF I AM WORKING OUTSIDE THE UAE?

Yes, foreigners employed outside the UAE can apply for a virtual work visa. This one-year visa allows you to enter the country under self-sponsorship and work as per the terms and conditions of the issued visa.

CAN INDIVIDUALS BELOW 18 YEARS APPLY FOR A DUBAI TOURIST VISA EXTENSION?

Parents of children below 18 must apply for a visa extension on their behalf. Those over 18 years of age can apply themselves.

That concludes our guide on extending tourist visas in Dubai/UAE. Whether you are on a residence or visit visa, it’s a good practice to opt for the UAE visa verification so you can be sure that everything is in order. Also, please make sure you are aware of prohibited items in checked baggage at Dubai Airport.

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