The UAE has made visa extension a simple, hassle-free journey for thousands of tourists, job seekers and family visitors who previously had to cola-hop out of the UAE at intermittent airports with urgent visa extensions or return home with their visas for millions of dollars.
The immigration authorities have now completely modernized the tourist visa renewal process by simplifying it to a digital-first approach where qualified tourists can renew their visas completely within the UAE.
The reforms to the framework have gained increased significance since UAE rescinded the dignity-performing the normal grace period for holders of visits visa. In as little as one day after your expiry date, an automatic extension of overstay consequences starts to apply; so renewing your visa ahead of schedule is more than ever before important.
UAE’s New Zero-Grace-Period Rule Explained
Currently, tourist visa holders do not enjoy the old 10 days grace period to stay in the country after the end of their visas. After the expiration of your visa, you will automatically become an overstayer from the immigration law UAE.
Authorities will automatically fine you AED 50 per day until your status is legally lost. The fines keep being added up until you either leave UAE or manage to secure another UAE visa extension. When travelers put off action, the consequences may rapidly become pricey, particularly in the duration of overstays.
How the Inside-Country Visa Extension Works?
The UAE now grants eligible visitors the opportunity to submit an “Inside Country Visa Extension” and they can now legally stay longer days without having to exit the country.
Offered typically in thirty (30) or sixty (60) day increments. Generally, most tourist visas have a limit of 120 days of total validity in the UAE that can be extended a maximum of 2 times.
This digital system could eradicate the necessity of border travellers to make multiple trips and in some way, it has ensured that cross-border travel is much quicker and more convenient for those already visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate.
Current UAE Tourist Visa Extension Costs
The pricing is dependent on the duration the applicant chooses. Typically, the inside country extension can be arranged for an extra AED 680-AED 750 for a period of 30 days.
Typically, a 60-day visa comes with a pretty sizable price tag between AED 1050 – 1200 and can be more cost-effective for singles looking for employment and extended family visitors.
Please also note that the applicants will have to pay an extra AED 500 Status Amendment fee to get the new visa officially activated after issue.
Documents Required Before Applying
In order to prevent delays in the online process, applicants are requested to complete a digital document kit prior to initiating the online process. Passport will have to be valid for at least six months from application for issuance.
In case you recently left your employment visa in the UAE, you will need a clear UAE visa or a visa cancellation document. Immigration officials also need a photo of that size and format passport-sized with a white background to comply with ICP standards.
Applying all files in high resolution PDF or JPEG format in order to avoid file rejections.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Your UAE Tourist Visa
The process of renewal starts by going through the recognised immigration facilities like ICP Smart Services portal, GDRFA Dubai website or authorised travel agencies. The candidates are requested to choose the option “Inside Country Visa Extension” and upload all the documents accordingly.
Applicants complete the online application form and then go on to pay and are issued with an official tracking number. Typically, it takes about 3-5 working days to process your immigration.
The new e-visa is then sent directly to the applicant by e-mail after receiving approval. But there are lots of travellers that simply assume that the process stops there.
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Why Is the Status Amendment Step Critical?
Even if you receive an approval to remain in this country, fines for overstaying the visa are not suspended. Applicants will need to undergo the required “Status Amendment” process to successfully change immigration status of the expired visa to a new active visa.
The activation fee for this administration goes for AED 500 and is accomplished electronically or by an authorized Amer Centers in their offices.
If this last step isn’t done then it could be a continuance of overstay fines even if you have been granted a new visa even after you were issued.
FAQs
Is it possible to change your UAE tourist visa from Overseas without leaving the UAE?
Yes. The UAE authorities launched the online ICC application process, which allows visitors to apply to extend their inside-city visa without leaving the country.
What does each one do if they lose their UAE tourist visa?
The grace period is taken away and overstay penalties of AED 50/ day are issued as soon as your visa runs out.
What is the holding time for UAE tourist visa extension?
Visas for entry into the country are generally granted in 3-5 business days when the applications are made within the country.
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