How Do You Extend Your Tourist Visa In Dubai
The UAE has three immigration categories for expats. Residents and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council, who are Citizens of the GCC Member States) have very easy to get, work and residence visas due to them being from countries which have a treaty with the UAE. Tourist Visa is one type of residency permit in the UAE, issued for a limited period of time (up to 4 months, although in practice most tourists get it for 5 months) and you can extend it once for up to the same amount of time. The process is relatively easy but there are some important points and fees involved so here’s our guide on how to extend your tourist visa in Dubai, UAE.
How Do You Extend Your Tourist Visa In Dubai
Each country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to allowing people entry into the country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no different — each country the UAE shares borders with has its own set of rules for those traveling to the UAE. The United Arab Emirates has a visa-on-arrival policy that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days on arrival. After 30 days, it can be difficult to obtain an extension of your tourist visa from the UAE immigration office as a tourist unless your sponsor (if you have one) extends his sponsorship or obtains a free zone business license so you can extend your visa as a business visitor.After the tourist visa renews automatically, it cannot be extended again. This means that you have to leave the country and apply for a new visa at Dubai Airport. The entry visa is issued for 30 days at a time but can be extended for an additional 30 days by applying for the visa extension before it expires.
Dubai is a hub of tourists. People from different parts of the world come to the city for varied purposes. There are different types of tourist visas in Dubai to caters to such visitors. A tourist visa is required by those who are not eligible for the visa-free entry in the UAE. Often, airlines, hotels and sometimes even agencies also arrange for a tourist visa.
Recently, new reforms have been introduced to the tourist visa policy in the UAE that allows tourists to extend their visas twice without having to leave the country. If you are a tourist, here is what you need to know about tourist visa extension in Dubai.
PROCEDURE FOR TOURIST VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI
The Dubai tourist visa extension procedure is pretty straightforward.
- You can renew a tourist visa in Dubai for 30 days twice.
- Keep a check on the expiry date of the first extension.
- Apply for the second renewal before the first one expires.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI?
Here is how to apply for a tourist visa extension in Dubai:
By GDRFA App
- Login to GDRFA app
- Go to the dashboard and open dependent visa details
- Tap Renew Residence button
- Fill up the details
- Select delivery method
- Attach documents
- Submit the fee
- Wait for SMS/email confirmation
Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship
- Visit the online portal of Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship
- Enter your credentials
- Add attachments
- Submit AED 600 fee and apply for an extension
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA RENEWAL IN DUBAI
In order to renew your visa, you will need to submit:
- A transcript of the applicant’s passport. Ensure the passport has a minimum validity of six months
- A passport-size photo with white background
DUBAI TOURIST VISA EXTENSION FEE
You will have to pay AED 600 during each time of renewal.
DUBAI TOURIST VISA EXTENSION GRACE PERIOD
Visa overstayers who couldn’t renew their tourist visa will have to pay AED 100 fine for each extra day they have overstayed. The number of days will be calculated from 10 days after the visa expiry date.
EXEMPTION FOR TOURIST VISA EXTENSION IN DUBAI
There is an exception to some of the tourists in Dubai. They are not obliged to follow the rule for the extension that others need to abide by. These include:
- residents of GCC countries
- special entry permits
- 96-hour permit for special missions
FAQS
FOR HOW LONG A TOURIST VISA REMAINS VALID?
A tourist visa can be issued for 30 or 90 days. You may opt either for single entry or multiple entries.
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CAN CHILDREN GET A FREE VISIT VISA?
A UAE Cabinet passed a resolution in July 2018 that states, children below 18 years old can get a free tourist visa from 15th July to 15th September every year, provided they are accompanied by adults.
CAN WOMEN BELOW THE AGE OF 18 APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA?
Women under 18 years old can apply for a tourist visa, only if they are travelling with their parents.
DO AIRLINES ALSO OFFER VISIT VISA IN THE UAE?
You may also apply for visit visa through airlines. Each of them has different conditions. However, the basic condition for them all is that you are flying with them.
- Etihad Airways offers single entry as well as multiple tourist visa, varying based on the number of days.
- Each of them can be extended twice for 30 days for AED 960.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VISIT VISAS ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFER?
Etihad Airways offers:
TOURIST VISA MULTIPLE ENTRY
- Validity: 60 days
- Duration: 30 days
- Visa fee: AED 650
LONG TERM TOURIST VISA SINGLE ENTRY
- Validity: 60 days
- Duration: 90 days
- Visa fee: AED 1000
LONG TERM VISIT VISA MULTIPLE ENTRY
- Validity: 60 days
- Duration: 90 days
- Visa fee: AED 2500
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO RENEW VISA BY ETIHAD AIRWAYS?
You need to submit:
- Complete application form
- A 6x6cm photograph in colour (minimum of 600×600 pixels) with a white background
- A photocopy of your passport showing your credentials including passport number, date of issue and expiry
- A passport with at least six months validity
- A confirmed ticket travelling into Abu Dhabi Airport and onwards from Abu Dhabi to a third destination
- A visa fee
MY VISA IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE TOMORROW AND I CAN’T GO BACK TO MY HOME COUNTRY DUE TO FLIGHT SUSPENSION. CAN I STAY IN THE UAE AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
Yes, you can stay in the UAE amid COVID-19. The UAE government has granted a visa exemption for all types of entry permits expired during the flight suspension. Meanwhile, you can apply for a visa extension.
IF I STAY IN THE UAE DURING THE VISA EXEMPTION PERIOD, WILL I HAVE TO PAY FINE WHILE APPLYING FOR A VISA RENEWAL?
No, you will be able to renew your visa without paying any fine.
No matter, whether you are on a residence or visit visa, it’s a good practice to submit UAE visa status enquiry so you can renew it on time.