How Many Times Can You Extend Your Visit Visa in Dubai?
Visitors to Dubai often wonder about the possibility of extending their visit visa beyond the initial duration. The ability to extend a visit visa in Dubai depends on the type of visa held, the current regulations, and the application process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rules and procedures for extending visit visas in Dubai, helping visitors make informed decisions.
Short-Term Visit Visa (30 Days)
For short-term visit visas, typically valid for 30 days, you can extend the visa once for an additional 30 days. However, you must apply before the current visa expires and may need to pay a fee. The total stay length will be 60 days if a single extension is granted. Similar to long-term visas, it is essential to check the latest regulations with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the official UAE government website as rules may occasionally change.
Long-Term Visit Visa (90 Days or More)
Long-term visit visas, often valid for 90 days, can also be extended for an additional 90 days under the same conditions as short-term visas. You must apply before the current visa expires, check for any required fees, and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Renewing Visas in Dubai
When renewing your UAE visit visa or the 5-Year Tourist Visa in Dubai, remember that it can only be renewed twice. After this limitation, an additional 60 days extension is permitted, but an application fee of approximately 100 AED (around INR 2,253) will be required. It is crucial to renew your visa before it expires to avoid additional costs or penalties.
Failure to Extend On-Time
If a person fails to extend their visa on time and the visa expires, they will face a penalty of 100 AED for each day the visa is overdue. This penalty adds up quickly, so it is essential to renew the visa as soon as possible.
Exiting the UAE Territory
For certain circumstances, such as extending the visit visa for the fourth time, you may need to exit the UAE territory to apply for a new visa. This is a common requirement for long-term visas like the 90-day visit visa, which may require you to exit to Oman or another country and then return with a new visa. Travel agencies can assist with this process, often charging a fee of around 1,800 AED, which may include the cost of the new visa and other expenses.
No Limit on Extensions
In general, if you hold an extendable type of visit visa, you can extend it as many times as you wish, as long as you follow the procedures and check the latest regulations.
However, it is important to note that there are non-extendable visit visas available, which are generally cheaper but will require a fresh application after a certain period.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa extensions, it is always best to consult the official websites of the UAE government or contact the GDRFA directly. Staying informed and compliant with the regulations can help you make the most of your visit to Dubai.