The UAE may entice you to extend your stay due to its incredible offerings and standout attractions. However, every visa has a limited time limit for visitors and tourists to explore what the UAE offers. Overstaying is a serious offense in the UAE and can lead to several complications, including hindrances to your next visit or even blacklisting or ban for your future travel. You must understand the immigration guidelines for your stay, the type of visa, visa duration, and the overstay circumstances applicable for each type of visa. Let us take you through a step-by-step guide on overstay fines in UAE, including how to calculate, pay, and obtain fee waivers.
Overstaying in the UAE
All travelers who are issued a visa to travel to the UAE have a limited time to explore the amazing aspects of the UAE. However, if visitors or tourists choose to stay beyond their entitled time limit without applying for an extension. In that case, they are bound to pay the overstay fine in UAE and face serious consequences, as it is considered a serious offense according to immigration laws.
Overstay fine in UAE
Visitors and tourists who overstay in the UAE beyond their visa entitled limit have to pay a fine of AED 50 per day as per the new immigration regulations starting from October 2022. Residents who overstay beyond their entitled limit also have to pay the same fee.
Overstay fine waivers
All travelers and visitors who do not apply for a visa extension or exit the country within the grace period offered by the UAE immigration authorities are subject to overstay fines or penalties. The UAE immigration authorities are willing to reconsider the overstaying fine imposed if the circumstances were unforeseen or unavoidable. A request for a fee waiver has to be made to the UAE immigration department, who will review the case and choose to accept or deny the request basis their assessment.
How to pay overstay fine in UAE
You can also pay for your overstay fine in the UAE for a visit visa online. You can either connect with your travel buddy or partner who can help you pay the overstay fine in UAE.
The UAE immigration authority offers a grace period for all visitors and tourists so that they get an opportunity to renew their visas or exit the country. However, if the traveler overstays beyond their grace period and continues to stay in the UAE, the immigration authorities will charge you a daily fine for each day you choose to overstay. In such circumstances, you should consult with the UAE immigration officials or seek legal assistance to clarify and rectify your status to address any outstanding overstay fine in the UAE that has been mapped to your profile.
Impact of overstaying in the UAE
You may be able to rectify your visa status by paying the overstay fine in UAE. However, the impact of overstaying is much beyond the fine. There is a possibility of you being blacklisted in the UAE, and the duration of the ban could be the basis of the assessment done by the UAE immigration officials. The duration of the ban imposed can go up to one year from the banned date issued by the immigration authorities.
Avoiding overstay fine in UAE
People who have unintentionally overstayed in the UAE due to unforeseen and uncontrollable reasons can request the UAE government to review their overstay fine and follow the processes outlined for applying for a fee waiver. The GDRFA authorities have the final discretion of accepting or denying your review application basis the circumstances faced by each applicant. This will also apply to resident visas.
How to check for an overstay fee in the UAE?
You can check your profile or visa status on the GDRFA or ICP website. Enter your basic profile details, like your visa file number, date of birth, and nationality. When entering the details and solving the Captcha, you can see any overstay fine details applicable to your profile.
Consequences of not paying the overstay fee
Overstaying in the UAE is considered a serious offense, and there are no deviations from the guidelines set by the UAE immigration authorities. You can apply for a fee waiver. If you do not end up paying the overstay fine in UAE, the traveler may be subject to legal action, detention, or even an arrest, with a guaranteed ban on any future travel to the UAE. In that case, you can face serious challenges while applying for future visas and be subject to potential fines imposed by the UAE authorities.
Conclusion
Planning your return trip from the UAE is as critical as your entry. Overstaying in the UAE should be avoided under all circumstances to avoid paying an unnecessary fee and hindrances to your future travel. Understanding key aspects of visa, such as your visa type, the visa duration, and the grace periods offered for your visa for better visibility about overstaying in the UAE can play a key role in you enjoying a hassle-free holiday in the UAE and also save lots of money in your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the overstaying fine charged in the UAE?
Visitors and tourists must pay a fine of AED 50 per day according to the new UAE immigration regulations, effective October 2022.
What are the new rules for overstay in the UAE in 2024?
Overstaying in the UAE is not allowed. The new rules in 2024 can lead to fines of AED 50 per day compared to the earlier AED 25 per day.
How to check overstay fines in UAE?
You can check for any overstay fine for your profile on the GDFRA or ICP website after entering your basic details, such as your visa file number, date of birth, and current nationality.
Are we allowed to pay the overstay fine at the airport?
Yes. You can pay your outstanding overstay fees at all immigration checkpoints (seaports, land borders, and airports). If you have applied for an extension through a travel agent, they will be responsible for paying on your behalf.
How are overstay fines calculated?
Visitors and tourists are imposed a fine of AED 50 on the first day they overstay, and subsequently, AED 50 for each additional day, effective from the second day of overstay.
Are we allowed to return to the UAE after overstaying?
Based on your overstaying circumstances, the UAE authorities can choose to ban you for a limited time and also cause hindrances in your future travel.
How many days can you overstay?
All visitors and travelers are offered a grace period by the UAE immigration authorities – 60 days after their visa expiry. However, they must pay the overstay fine of AED 50 for each day they choose to overstay.
Are we allowed to pay the overstay fine online?
Yes. You can pay your overstay fine online as well.
How many years is the overstay ban in UAE?
The general ban imposed by the UAE authorities is one year from the date of the ban issued. This applies to any type of visa, including the visit and tourist visa.