Home / UAE Tourist Visa Extension

UAE Tourist Visa Extension Options

17th January, 2021 Updated

Have you visited UAE with an on-arrival visa? Is your prepaid visa in the brink of expiry? Has your resident visa been cancelled recently? Whatever your visa situation, check out our tourist visa extension options and get in touch with us for a seamless visa change service.

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01

Extension Options For On Arrival Nations

Valid Countries

Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong-China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau-China, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vatican City


Want to stay longer ?

Up-on arrival, your details are captured by the immigration officers and they can be used to extend your stay. 30 days on arrival can be extended for another 30 days. Or 30 days with a 10 day grace period can be used with the possibility of acquiring a 20 day extension. This costs approximately 800-900 AED

Get visa on arrival

Step 1

Apply for an Oman visa

Step 2

Oman visa approved

Step 3

Drive to border / book visa run.

Step 4

Re-enter with 30 days free entry.

Get a prepaid visa

Step 1

Speak to a tour operator who can process an e-express visa.

Step 2

Apply for an Oman visa.

Step 3

Oman visa approved.

Step 4

Drive to border.

Step 5

Wait for the new visa.

Step 6

Get a prepaid visa & enter UAE (for 30 or 90 days).

Step 1

Speak to a tour operator who has permission to issue in country visas.

Step 2

Send required documents.

Step 3

Pay the fee.

Step 4

Processing new application and UID.

Step 5

Processing status change.

Step 6

Receive e-visa copy and e-status change copy.

Step 7

Confirming the last day of new visa expiry.

Valid Countries

Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El-Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay


Want to stay more

90 Days on arrival visa valid for6 month and after consuming 90 days- Unable to get free on arrival

Step 1

Speak to tourism company who can process express visa

Step 2

Apply Oman visa
(https://evisa.rop.gov.om/home)

Step 3

Oman visa approved

Step 4

Drive to boarder / Book visa run

Step 5

Wait for the UAE entry visa from the tourism company

Step 6

Get prepaid visa based on your travel plan. 30 days & 90 days single entry visa or 30 days & 90 days multiple entry visas

Step 1

Get Airport to Airport visa change ticket with your tourism company

Step 2

Reach Dubai or Sharjah Airport at around - 8 AM

Step 3

Go through Immigration and get exit stamp (manual) - 9 AM

Step 4

Fly nearest middle east country(Oman or Bahrain) - 10 AM

Step 5

Come back to Dubai or Sharjah Airport - 1 PM

Step 6

Get prepaid visa based on your travel plan. 30 days & 90 days single entry visa or 30 days & 90 days multiple entry visas

Step 1

Get in touch with Tourism Firm

Step 2

Send necessary documents

Step 3

Pay the required fee

Step 4

Processing New e-Visa & status change

Step 5

Receive documents and verify the last day

02

Extension options for Prepaid / Pre-Arranged Visa Holders

Those who not eligible to get on arrival needed to get prepaid visa / UAE prepaid tourist visa & after prepaid visa holders arrive in UAE below are the options to extend their stay

  1. 1. Renewing your UAE tourist visa - Twice
  2. 2. Same day visa change - Airport to airport visa change
  3. 3. UAE tourist visa extension without exit
  4. 4. Dubai Visa Run to Oman
Same DayVisa Change Exit UAE through Dubai / Sharjah Airport & getting new visa same daySuspended Due To Coronavirus
Inside CountryVisa Change Without Exit processing new visa & Status change

Renewing your tourist visa - Twice

If you have obtained visa from an airline or tour operator, it's a sponsored tourist visa and they can be extended twice for 30 days.

Same Day Visa Change - Airport to Airport Visa Change
Suspended Due To Corona-virus


Step 1

Send your documents via WhatsApp

Previous visa copy, clear colour scan of passport and photo of the applicants with a white background . Also send us residence visa page of the reference person.

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Step 2

Make payment

Send us the receipt

Step 3

Book a visa change ticket

We will book a visa change ticket at the available time slots. A visa change ticket is a special ticket with a visa change stamp.

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Step 4

Get exit stamp & boarding pass via WhatsApp

Reach the airport by 8am and send us a photo of your exit stamp and boarding pass before 9am. Regardless of your flight timing, the airport allows you to get your exit stamp and boarding pass early.

Step 5

Fly and come back

Fly from UAE and come back to UAE.

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Step 6

Get New UAE Visa via WhatsApp

Get the new visas from us through WhatsApp.

Step 7

Enter UAE

Enter UAE with new visa.

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UAE Tourist visa extension without exit - In Country Visa


An in country visa change without exit from UAE is popular among visitors who want to stay without exit. Due to the Corona virus pandemic that is taking the world by storm, the UAE government has also allowed this procedure for on-arrival visa holders to extend their stay in UAE, eliminating the need for any unwanted travel. This procedure is a basic one where the visa holder applies for a new visa through a tour operator with the request of having the same UID number. After the visa has been processed and approved, the status change will be done from the old visa to the new UAE tourist visa. On-arrival nationals can also reap the benefits of this service too. This facility is made even more seamless by generating a file when the on-arrival visa holder enters the country. This file will be used if the holder wishes to extend their stay.

Dubai Visa Run to Oman - Suspended Due To Corona-virus

Oman visa run is the lower cost option & few tour operators in Dubai run this service

03

For cancelled Residence visas

Anyone who gets their UAE Residence visa has a 30 days grace period to make their next move. The grace period is free, those who want to fly out can take up this time to prepare themselves by settling all (tenancy contracts, mobile bills, credit cards, loans & home connections) & leave. Those who are switching the job or wanted to stay a little longer to finish their issues can obtain a tourist visa without exit or can also find a lower cost option like an Oman visa run, airport to airport visa change or flying somewhere and returning.


Because of the prevailing lockdown related to COVID 19, border closing and unavailability of flights for visa change purposes, all individuals with cancelled residence permits are choosing the inside country visa change option. In this procedure, the visa status will be changed from a cancelled resident to a tourist without the individual exiting UAE. Overstaying after the 30 day grace period will result in fines worth 125 AED for the first day and 25 AED for each subsequent day .



04

Rates - Full fledged services (typing to processing)

In-country visa change
(No exit)

(8 hrs Process time)

30 Day Visa

30 DAYS VISA - Inside Country

On arrival
960 AED

In-country visa change
(No exit)

(8 hrs Process time)

30 Day Visa

30 DAYS VISA - Inside Country

Prepaid Visa Holders
1200 - 1300 AED

In-country visa change
(No exit)

(8 hrs Process time)

90 Day Visa

90 DAY VISA - Inside Country

On arrival
1550 - 1650 AED

In-country visa change
(No exit)

(8 hrs Process time)

90 Day Visa

90 DAYS VISA - Inside Country

Prepaid Visa Holders
1450 - 1550 AED

Airport To Airport
Same-day Visa Change

30 Day Visa

Suspended Due To Coronavirus
30 DAYS VISA -Same day Visa Change

1025 AED

Airport To Airport
Same-day Visa Change

90 Day Visa

Suspended Due To Coronavirus
90 DAYS VISA - Same day Visa Change

1400 AED

UAE inbound travel insurance available now

Insurance that covers you during your visa change in the country

Type of Insurance Rate
Insurance for 30 days 95 AED
Insurance for 90 days 165 AED

These travel insurances have been introduced to cover COVID 19 and unexpected medical situations, read more here


- All inclusive Prices (VAT, Service Charge & Immigration Fee)
- Terms and conditions apply

WhatsApp Now


05

Extension update after Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Live Updates

The corona virus outbreak has made lot of inconveniences including flight suspension, which left UAE visitors stuck in UAE cities. UAE government announced the fine exemption for those who missed their flights to their home country. Read updates below:

  • January 07, 2021
    1. Tourists currently in UAE holding tourist & on arrival visas that were expired between December 19, 2020 and January15, 2021 are permitted to stay in the country until the 26th of January,2021 as permitted by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
    ( Source : Khaleej Time )
  • December 28, 2020
    2. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announces a complementary one-month extension for UAE tourist visas. He also stated that this extension is valid for all nationalities as a token of help for those who are stranded and unable to fly back to their homelands due to the discovery of a new Corona variant.
    ( Source : The National )
  • November 17, 2020
    3. UAE ordered a fine waiver program, this order is applicable for individuals who have been illegally overstaying in UAE after their visit, residency or tourist visa expired before March 1 2020
    ( Source : Gulf Times )
  • September 11, 2020
    4. UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) confirmed that the grace period given on Tuesday 11th August 2020, will end on Thursday 10th September 2020. Visitors must exit the country or change their visa status to avoid being fined whilst exiting the country or extending their stay. The fine is 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED per subsequent day from Thursday 10th September 2020.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times )
  • August 26, 2020
    5. The end of the deadline for individuals holding expired UAE tourist on arrival visas is nearing. Friday 11th September 2020 is the final date for expired tourist visa holders to exit UAE. This should not be confused with the deadline for expired residence visa holders who have until Tuesday 17th November 2020. Officially it is approved for visitors to stay fine-free until Friday 11th September 2020. Visitors need to exit UAE or do a visa change to stay in the country legally.
    ( Source : Gulf News )
  • August 10, 2020
    6. The ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) had given a deadline until Tuesday 11th August 2020 for those stuck in UAE because of grounded flights to exit the country. The ICA stated on Monday 10th August 2020 that this grace period will be extended for an additional 30 days, until Friday 11th September 2020. Any individual who has been stranded in the country from March should leave before this date or pay the overstay fines.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times )
  • July 17, 2020
    7. The Federal Authority for identity and Citizenship (FAIC) stated on Thursday that expired Visit visa holders are requested to exit UAE before Tuesday 11th August 2020 or apply for a one month grace period.
    ( Source : Gulf news )
  • July 13, 2020
    8. Tourists staying in UAE with visas expired after Sunday 1st March 2020 are given a one month grace period to exit the country or apply for a visa status change. This was announced by the Federal Authority for identity and Citizenship (FAIC) on Monday so as these individuals won't have to face the charges of overstaying fines.
    ( Source : Khaleej time )
  • July 12, 2020
    9. Individuals holding a UAE tourist visa are kindly requested to exit the country within one month starting from 12th July to prevent incurring any fines. This was stated by Brig Al Kabi.
    ( Source : Gulf News )
  • July 11, 2020
    10. From 11th July 2020 the grace period for visas and entry permits will depend solely on a rigorous schedule put forward by the ICA.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times )
  • July 10, 2020
    11. The statement that visa and entry permit validity granted from 1st March ,2020 until 31st December for individuals inside the country has been cancelled. This cancellation will be effective from 11,th July 2020 onwards.
    ( Source : Gulf News )
  • May 25, 2020
    12. If the individual’s residence visa or entry permit (tourist visa on arrival visa) expired before 1st March 2020, they are given time until 18th August 2020 to leave the UAE without any fines. Holders of entry permits (tourist visa or on arrival) residence visas that have expired after 1st March 2020 are granted a grace period until 31st December 2020 to leave UAE without incurring any fines. This rule is exempted for individuals holding cancelled UAE Residence visas and new born babies.
    ( Source : Gulf News & ICA (Federal Authourity for identity and citizenship)
  • May 14, 2020
    13. As per orders of UAE president, his Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, anyone who holds a UAE visa that was expired before 1st March 2020, is exempt from paying any overstay fines. These individuals will be given a 3 month grace period starting from 18th May 2020 to exit the country. The fines are exempt for both entry visas and residency visas.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times)
  • April 14, 2020
    14. According to UAE Brigadier General Al Khabi: visitors who are still in the United Arab Emirates despite their tourist visas expiring before March 2020 , will get their visa validity extended until 31st December 2020.
    ( Source : Khaleej Time)
  • April 7, 2020
    15. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai has clarified visitors concerns and it announced a fine exemption time frame is declared from 1st March until end of May 2020.
    ( Source : Khaleej Time)
  • April 1, 2020
    16. UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) decided to exempt fines for coming 3 months for all type of UAE Residency - Residence visa holders, & tourist visa holders.
    ( Source : Gulf News)
  • April 2, 2020
    17. Emirates got permission to operate flights with a limited number of passengers, it's aim to fly out & fly in to help the residents or visitors who wish to return to their home countries.
    ( Source : Gulf News)
  • March 24, 2020
    18. UAE tourist visa holders waiting for good news about the government visa extension announcement. On 23rd March 2020 due to the suspension of all flights arrival and departure from UAE airports, it's expected they will be given a chance to extend the visas at a minimum fee to extend their stay in UAE without overstaying fines. Further updates will be announced within the next couple of days.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times)
  • March 19, 2020
    19. UAE has made a decision to suspend entry for all new visa holders including the visas processed before 17th March as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic. The entry of individuals holding tourist visas or resident visas have been suspended until further notice. Although the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) stated that the ban on visa processing won't affect the visas issued before the 17th March, the organization had requested local and international airliners to not carry any passengers holding UAE visas.
    ( Source : Khaleej Times)
  • March 12, 2020
    20. Oman has halted the processing of all tourist visas as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Starting from the 15th March 2020, this decision will be upheld for a month and updated according to the current information about the pandemic. Due to this decision, any prepaid visa holders wanting to get an extension for their UAE visa have to rule out the airport to airport visa change option and the UAE visa change by bus option because both of these procedures require the visa holder to fly or drive out of UAE into Oman territory. Additionally, the Sultanate of Oman has also decided to stop the entry of cruise liners into the country. Other precautionary measures include banning of shisha in restaurants, reduction of court sessions and postponing all non-class student programs.
    ( Source : Gulfnews)
  • March 10, 2020
    21. Numerous flights cancelled due to the Corona virus outbreak. Roughly 60 to 80 percent of travellers have cancelled or postponed their bookings as per various travel agents in the UAE. This is due to the many travel restrictions imposed by many countries and airliners as a precautionary measure against Corona virus. Most cancellations have been made to Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. As UAE's ministry of health has been advising to postpone any form of unnecessary travel, many Indian expats are not bringing their families on visit visas for the school holidays. The Ministry of Education has also announced that any students traveling from foreign countries will have to face thorough screening procedures and face quarantine before being sent home.
    ( Source : The national)
  • March 13, 2020
    22. The Indian consulate has requested all Indian expats in UAE to postpone their trips to their home land until further notice. The Indian authorities have decided to quarantine all travellers upon arrival to limit the spread of the Corona virus. Thus, any leisure travel plans are requested to be postponed until a positive update.
    ( Source : Gulf News )
  • March 13, 2020
    23. Due to the travel restrictions, UAE prepaid visa holders who want to extend their UAE visas must do so by the only procedure that is currently available, the no exit visa extension procedure. On-arrival visa holders are now given no exit visa change option as a special measure until all travel bans have been lifted. That means on-arrival visa holders can stay in UAE and apply for a new UAE visa if they want to extend their stay and don't have to return to their home country.
    ( Source : Gulf News )
  • 24. Due to the current safety precautions that are imposed, customers wishing to do a no exit visa change can send us their documents and proof of payment via WhatsApp.


06

UAE visa extension new rules - 2021

01

Individuals whose visas were cancelled by their sponsors or employers in UAE can obtain a new tourist visa without exiting the UAE by choosing inside country visa change without exit (Source: Gulf News, June 06, 2020)

02

The Royal Police of Oman announced on 25th October 2019 that all nationalities visiting Oman should apply for a pre-entry visa to be able to enter the country. This rule is effective from 1st November 12019 onwards and individuals opting for an Oman visa run to extend their visas need to plan in advance (Source: The National 19th November 2019)

03

Nationalities eligible for on arrival UAE visas can extend their visit from an on-arrival visa to a prepaid visa without leaving the UAE.

04

Travel insurance that covers COVID 19 is now available in UAE. Individuals extending their visit or UAE tourist visas without exiting the country are encouraged to get it in case of unfavourable situations.


Official UAE online visa websites to check the validity

echannels.moi.gov.ae (Abu Dhabi)
GDRFA (Dubai)



How can Indian passport holders with USA Visa, EU Residency visa & UK Residency visa renew their on-arrival UAE visa?

Indian travellers who have valid USA visa or residency in EU/UK who hold can head to the Marhaba service counter to get their on-arrival entry permit for a cost of 100 AED on arrival. You will also be charged a 20 AED service charge, after which you can proceed to the passport control counter & you are eligible to stay for 14 days. This period can be extended once for a period of 28 days by paying a renewal fee of 250 AED plus a 20 AED service charge. If the Indian traveller overstays this time duration, they will be charged a fine of 100 AED for every extra day stayed in UAE and 200 AED for the departure permit. After the first extension you won’t be able to extend your stay again and you need to exit the country or do a prepaid (pre-arranged) inside country visa with a tour operator.



07

Frequently Asked Questions

The visa exemption is applicable for all entry permit holders whose visas have expired during the suspension period.

The duration is from 1st March 1 until the end of September 11, 2020..

If you brothers grace period finished within the flight suspension period he will be exempt from paying any fines.

You can contact Arabiers team for more information

Yes, get in touch with the Arabiers team and we will apply for a new visa with status change.

So far there are no such announcements made. Just like you, we are also waiting for updates and details from the government. Every now and then check our 5 years tourist visa page for recent updates on the topic.

A visa change air ticket is a special ticket that includes a visa stamp which allows the ticket holder to fly to any nearby Middle Eastern country without an entry visa to that specific country. This ticket is allowed due to a special agreement between us and the airline.

This depends on your nationality, Contact us to know more about it.

Yes, that is possible too if you don’t prefer any of the methods mentioned above. We will issue your new visa within 24 hours after you have exited UAE. Apart from being costly the other disadvantage of this option is that you need to book a return ticket to your country as well

You can make the payment at the immigration counter in the airport while you exit on your current visa

If you are overstaying with a UAE residence visa, you will be charged 25 AED after the waiver period of 30 days. If you are overstaying with a visit visa, you will be charged 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED per subsequent day.

If such a situation arises while you are in Dubai or Sharjah Airport immediately book a flight to your home country and exit the airport.

During the covid locked down Abu Dhabi National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority took lots of initiative to control the virus spread, part of that the borders has been closed. On December 22, 2020 Abu Dhabi media office announced Abu Dhabi will welcome international tourists from 24 December 2020. Rest of the Emirates has no travel restrictions, only if you are travelling out from Abu Dhabi & travelling to Abu Dhabi make sure your entry will be accepted. Contact the below numbers

National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority
Abu Dhabi Head Quarter

Phone : 02 4177000

Abu Dhabi Police Call Center

Phone : 8003333

Source : The national

UAE visa processing charge, VAT, service charge and a return flight ticket.

If you are coming for a short holiday you do not need to apply for a visa upfront, on arrival you get a visa or visa free entry valid for 30 days with 10 days grace period. You are also given the chance to extend the visas as mentioned above. But If you are planning to stay more than 30 days it is better to get a 90 day prepaid (180 days visa) through a tour operator which is approximately 750-800 AED (204 USD - 217 USD) instead of paying 800-900 AED (217 USD -245 USD) for extensions.

So far Indian nationals holding a US Green card (valid green card) are given an on-arrival visa with the fee (100 AED & 20 AED Service fee) and if you are planning to stay more than 14 or 30 days it is better to get a prepaid visa.

If you overstay on your current visa immigration will allow you to extend it by paying the fines. If you extend your visas, the first day fine remains the same 100 AED (if you exit you have got to pay 200 AED) and each subsequent day will cost you 100 AED. After paying the fines you will be able to extend your stay.

The visitor's obtaining visas through Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai & Air Arabia must contact the respective Airlines to extend their visas. If you wish to stay more than 90 days you can contact a local tour company.

At this moment you are left with only one option, to do a prepaid visa and status change (visa change without exit) or find the flight to exit UAE

You will be liable to pay a fine of 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED for each subsequent day.

Please make sure you follow the Oman news related to border opening & you may call Royal Oman Police Headquarters at +96824569282

Yes you can, you may call Smart Services ICA team at 600522222

yes you can stay in all other emirates including Dubai

Local tourism companies provide you 30 or 90 days in country visa, that has a 10 days grace period which gives you 40 or 100 days. If you can't complete your residence visa process (until status change - from tourist to residence) you are liable to pay daily fines. In the other hand the operator who provide you with the visa will be responsible and their permission to issue new tourist visa will be suspended, in order to clear that they will file a escape application with the government applied fee, so you will be absconded and your residence visa application and exit will be denied until you clear the fines and the absconding. If your employer is not understanding your agreement with your tour operator, go ahead and extend your visa or exit the country and then wait for your residence visa

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