UAE visit visa: Tourists can now extend their stay from within the country

Tourists in the UAE on a 30 or 60 days visit visa can extend their stay within the country by another 30 days. The decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) grants visitors an additional 30 days to explore and enjoy the country's diverse offerings.

The UAE has implemented several changes in its visa procedures since October last year, marking one of the largest residency and entry permit reforms by the ICP (Immigration and Citizenship Program). Since then, several developments have taken place in the visit visa system of the country.

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As per the ICA website, individuals holding a visit visa of 30 or 60 days will now be eligible for an additional 30-day stay, and the maximum extension period for a visit visa holder is 120 days.

A call centre representative of Amer Centre said that a visit visa extension within the country is possible and “one must contact their visa issuing agent to for the extension."

Maximum extension

According to a call centre representative at ICP, it is possible to obtain a visa extension within the country for a period of 30 days. This extension applies to both long-term and short-term visit visas. However, it is important to note that the total duration of stay within a year should not exceed 120 days.

The call centre executive clarified, “If a visitor is on a 30 days visa, the extension can be possible up to 120 days (30 days on each extension),” added the executive.

Procedure for extension

"If a tourist or a visitor would like to extend their stay, they should contact the issuing travel agent or sponsor," said Firose Khan, operation manager at Arabian Business Centre.

"Your sponsor or travel agent who issued the visa can provide you with information on the extension process, required documentation, fees, and any other relevant details. It's important to initiate this process well before your current visa's expiration to allow sufficient time for the extension to be processed," added Khan.

Documentation required

The visitor's passport is required to extend a visit visa. The issuing agent will provide more details on the required documents.

Time duration for extension

The process may take a few days from submitting the documents depending on your travel agent who applies for the service. However, on the ICP website, the “time to complete the service after its requirements are completed is 48 hours,”

Extension charges:

“The cost of extension for a month is Dh1,050,” said Khan.

The GDRFA elaborated the costs of extension and gave a breakdown of the rates on their website.

Visa extension fee: Dh600, in addition to the value-added tax (5%).

Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):

Knowledge dirham: Dh10

Innovation dirham: Dh10

Fee inside the country: Dh500

The website also mentioned, “The total amount of the visa may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the sponsored person or for any other reasons that may require that,”

On ICP website, the cost vary.

Request fee: Dh100

Issuance fee: Dh500, and other related charges are applicable.

The website also mentions the application for an extension of entry permit for tourism is made through the tourism companies. Agents have urged the visitors to leave the country before the visa expiry or extend their visas to avoid attracting any penalties or difficulties while exiting.

This extension caters to various purposes, including tourism, family visits, business meetings, and other personal matters. "Visitors can utilise this extra time to explore the country's iconic landmarks, indulge in shopping, savour culinary delights, or simply relax in the UAE's world-class hospitality," said Khan.

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SM Ayaz Zakir

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ayaz@khaleejtimes.com

SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.