Dubai has created waves in the tourist world with its scintillating architecture, rich cultural diversity, mind-blowing attractions, extravagant shopping experiences, and loads of fun and entertaining elements, making it among the top holiday destinations. There are numerous experiences to indulge in, but you will never have sufficient days to fully enjoy Emirati culture and hospitality. Such is the impact of the fascinating culture and extravaganza lifestyle, which will never make you leave Dubai. Suppose you wish to extend your trip longer than your original timeline. In that case, knowing more about your UAE visa extension is the right idea. We bring you the right steps to follow for your UAE visa change or extension when you are in Dubai.
What is the difference between a tourist and a visit visa?
A Dubai tourist visa is limited to travel, leisure, or pleasure for the visitors and travelers to explore the country’s rich culture, heritage, vibrant attractions, and captivating landscapes. The visit visa in Dubai offers greater flexibility for travelers to plan their travel and fulfill their interests with a multiple-entry mechanism. The interests include family visits, medical treatment, and business meetings or ventures.
What is a UAE visa extension?
In recent years, UAE authorities have relaxed the visa issuance and its extension details, which allow travelers to easily extend their visas twice without leaving the country. You can renew an existing UAE visa for a maximum of two times for 60 days in total. The visa extension has a fee depending on the number of times and the extension period you choose. It is always recommended that you apply for a visa extension UAE well in advance to avoid a late fee of AED 100 that is applicable even if you apply for a Dubai visa extension on the last day of your existing visa expiry.
The Dubai immigration system has simplified the visa extension process to a great extent. Each tourist with an active UAE visa can apply for an extension twice for 30 days each, a maximum of 60 days without leaving the country. The two 30-day visa extension periods should be back to back without any gap in between.
Documentation required for visa extension UAE
- Copy of your original passport
- Passport size photograph as per the visa guidelines
- Copy of the existing UAE tourist visa
- Process of applying for a tourist visa Renewal UAE
Process for applying for a tourist visa extension UAE
It is always preferable that you apply for a Dubai tourist visa extension through the same visa agent who initially helped you process your Dubai tourist visa. They will help you with the entire process and email you the latest updates.
The validity period of a tourist visa and visit visa can vary between 14 days to 60 days. The visa extension must be validated with genuine reasons while applying for an extension. Applying for a Dubai visa extension doesn’t guarantee your extension. The visa change UAE completely depends on the discretion of the UAE immigration official evaluating your case.
Suppose you have not applied for your Dubai tourist visa through a visa agent. In that case, you can get assistance from a reliable travel buddy or complete the process yourself.
Apply for a visa extension through digital channels or visiting the Amer Service Center. The digital channels are available through the clock 24×7. In contrast, the Amer Service Center would be open as per standard operating hours. You can opt for the mode at your convenience.
For digital channels, you need to do the following steps:
- Head to the UAE Smart Services website
- Login to the smart service’s website with your UAE pass or username
- Choose the service that you wish to apply for
- Fill in all the relevant data in your application form
- Submit the visa extension application along with the relevant supporting documents
- Pay the visa extension fee if applicable
To physically visit the Amer Service Center, you need to complete the following steps:
- Head to the nearest Customer Happiness Center.
- Get your automated ticket and wait for your turn.
- Fill in all the relevant data in your application form
- Submit the visa extension application along with the relevant supporting documents
- Pay the visa extension fee if applicable
UAE visa extension fee and timeline
The cost of applying for a UAE visa extension starts from AED 600 per applicant before applicable taxes. The total visa extension fee can vary depending on various conditions based on visa issuance, e.g., Visa sponsor. The timeline for your visa extension is 48 hours from the submission date.
Important points to note:
- All relevant data in the visa extension application must be identical to the data in your original visa application form. Any discrepancy or incorrect information may lead to a rejection of your visa extension application.
- Incorrect or inaccurate supporting documents can also lead to a rejection of your visa extension application.
- The visa extension is subject to the discretion of the visa application officer at the UAE immigration. The visa extension cannot be guaranteed approved even if you meet all the relevant criteria put forward by the immigration officials.
- The maximum number of days, including two extensions, that a traveler can stay in the UAE at one time is 120 days in total.
Conclusion –
Dubai’s achievements and attractions are fascinating and exciting, catching the attention of every tourist landing in the region. The process of applying for a visa is itself a tedious task, and the process of applying for an extension can be, at times, overwhelming. Hence, you must be relaxed and take the mentorship and guidance of the right travel partner who can guide you through the visa journey, including your extension if applicable. A Dubai holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you should plan well to make the best of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1. Can Dubai tourist visas be extended, and for how long will they be?
Response – Your Dubai tourist visa can be extended for 30 days, each twice, without leaving the country.
Q2. How many times can a traveler extend their Dubai tourist visa?
Response – A Dubai tourist visa can be extended for 30 days each for a maximum of two times without exiting the country.
Q3. What is the fine/penalty for overstaying in Dubai?
Response – Overstaying in Dubai beyond your visa expiry is considered a serious offense. The consequences include fines, deportation, and blacklisting for all future travel instances. If the offense is serious, travelers can also be jailed in Dubai.
Q4. Is a Dubai tourist visa a physical or electronic visa?
Response – A Dubai tourist visa is an electronic visa sent to the applicant’s email ID.
Q5. Do I need to exit the UAE till my visa expires?
Response – No. You do not need to exit the UAE until your visa expires, including when applying for a visa extension.
Q6. What is the cost of a Dubai visa extension?
Response – The cost of the Dubai visa extension can be approximately AED 600 per applicant.
Q7. What are the consequences of overstaying my visa expiry?
Response – Travelers who do not extend their visa after their visa expiry are subject to heavy fines of AED 100 per day. For serious offenses, travelers can also be jailed in Dubai.
Q8. When should I apply for my visa extension?
Response – You should always apply for a visa extension well before time and not wait for last-minute surprises.