The Complete Visa Extension Process in UAE

Before discuss about extending stay, you need to know the tourist visa options available. UAE offers single entry and multiple entry visas valid for 30 or 60 days. The 30 days single entry tourist visa allows entry to UAE and stay for 30 days after which it expires. 

If you exit country even before complete of 30 days the visa becomes invalid. 30 days multiple entry allows you enter several times to UAE within 30 days of validity from first entry. 

The 60 days single and multiple entry visas also operate same with 30 days only difference its valid for 60 days. You can extend any type of tourist visa you entered UAE with. 

This the eligibility criteria for tourist visa extension in UAE:

• The current visa must be valid. You cannot apply for tourist visa extension after visa has expired so apply for extension at least 2 days before expiry of current visa. 
• You must be inside UAE as you cannot apply to extend when you have already left the country. 
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from date of extension application. 
• You shouldn’t be under travel ban or have any issues with authority
• The original visa applied must be eligible for extension. 
• You need a passport sixed photograph of yourself taken against white background. 

There different methods to extend tourist visa in UAE. Visit the official government websites to extend visa for UAE. You can also visit licensed Amer centers in Emirate you will be residing and get assistance applying for extension. 

If you applied with Arabiers, or another tour operator or through airline, you may extend visa two times each for 30 days. This means you get 60 days on top of visa days without exiting the country. 

Airport to Airport Visa Change- most tourists with prepaid visas choose this method to extend stay. You leave the country and fly to nearest airport in middle eastern countries, relax at airport as express visa to UAE is getting processed then come back to country.

You can alternatively leave the country to the neighboring ones and then come back after with express visa which takes 4 to 8 hours to be ready.

Forward the required documents to your airline or travel agent if you got visa through them. For those using official government website this is the process to follow:

1. Prepare documents needed for extension and scan colored copies.
2. Visit ICA Smart Services Portal and login to your account. If no account then sign up to register UAE PASS.
3. After login navigate to visa services or search ‘extend tourist visa’ or ‘extend entry permit’
4. Fill out application form with correct details including passport information, personal details and current visa file number. 
5. Upload documents you scanned and after reviewing application pay visa extension fees.
6. Finally submit application and you be sent application number which can use to track status of application
    

After you apply to extend UAE tourist visa you have to wait few days for application to be processed. The application typically takes one to 3 working days to be ready. In mean time you may track status online.

After completing application for visa extension, you may be curious to track the status of the application. After receiving the copy of extension ensure you check status through official sites. You may check status through ICA or GDRFA website. 

• Apply Early: Don’t wait for last day to apply extension. Fill out application at least 3 to 5 business days before your current visa expires to avoid accumulating overstay fines. 
• Beware there is Overstay Penalty: UAE charges standard overstays fine of AED 50 for every day you stay past visa is expired. You must clear the overstay fine before applying for extension or before leaving the country.  
• Check New Validity of Visa: extension date is normally the date old visa expires and not from date extension is approved. You therefore need to confirm new expiry date on your extended visa to avoid overstaying. 
• Use Authorized Channels of Extension: avoid getting assistance from unverified agents that promise cheaper extensions. Do research proper when seeking help from travel agents or stick to official website (ICA) and airline services. 
• Keep Digital and Physical Copies: Always have soft copy of new visa in your phone and keep a print out of it too when travelling around UAE.