How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in Dubai

There’s something about Dubai that makes you want to extend your trip, maybe it’s the mix of sunny beaches, endless shopping, or just how much there is to see and do. What was supposed to be a quick holiday can easily turn into “just a few more days, please!”

If you’re in Dubai on a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa and thinking of staying longer, the good news is: you can easily apply for a tourist visa extension in UAE. If your plans changed last-minute or you’re simply not ready to say goodbye yet, extending your stay is totally doable, as long as you follow the rules.

If you stay after your visa expires without getting an extension, you’ll face fines starting from AED 50 per day, and there’s no grace period anymore. Overstaying can also lead to bigger problems like re-entry bans, deportation, or having issues when applying for visas in the future.

What are the Types of Tourist Visas in Dubai, UAE?

Dubai offers different types of tourist visas based on the visitor’s nationality, travel plans, and how long they wish to stay. Here are the most common ones:

1. Short-Term Tourist Visas

• 30-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa: This is a common option allowing a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry. It is generally not extendable.

• 30-Day Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This allows multiple entries within a 30-day period from the date of the first entry. It’s generally not extendable.

• 60-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa: This allows a single entry and a stay of up to 60 days from the date of arrival. It may be extendable.

• 60-Day Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This allows multiple entries within a 60-day period from the date of the first entry. It may be extendable.

2. Long-Term Tourist Visas

• 90-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa: This allows a single entry and a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry. It’s generally not extendable.

• 90-Day Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This allows multiple entries within a 90-day period from the date of the first entry. It’s generally not extendable.

• 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This is a relatively new option that enables tourists of all nationalities to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship. You can remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and it can be extended for another 90 days. To be eligible, you typically need a bank balance of $4,000 USD (or equivalent) for the last six months, a valid health insurance policy, and a ticket to and from the UAE.

3. Visa on Arrival

Many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival, which allows them to enter the UAE without prior visa arrangements. The duration of stay for a visa on arrival can vary (e.g., 30 days or 90 days) depending on the passport holder’s country.

Some nationalities, including Indian citizens with a valid US visa or green card, or a UK/EU residence permit, may be eligible for a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival, which can sometimes be extended for an additional 14 days.

4. Transit Visas

• 48-Hour Transit Visa: For travellers transiting through the UAE with a layover between 8 and 48 hours. It’s a single-entry visa and not extendable.

• 96-Hour Transit Visa: For travellers transiting through the UAE for a period between 8 and 96 hours. It’s a single-entry visa and not extendable.

Transit visas are typically issued by airlines, and you need a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination.

Can You Extend Your Tourist Visa in Dubai?

Yes, most tourists can extend their visa without leaving the UAE, but there are important conditions and limits to keep in mind.

What are the Extension Eligibility?

If you hold a 30-day or 60-day tourist (visit) visa, you’re generally eligible for two 30-day extensions. That means up to 60 extra days inside the country.

Certain categories can’t extend inside the UAE, including:

• GCC residents

• Visitors with special entry permits

• Holders of 96-hour mission visas

• Visitors accompanied by GCC nationals

How Many Times Can You Extend?

You can apply for a 30-day extension up to two times, giving you a total authorised stay of up to 120 days in a calendar year. On a 5-year multiple-entry visa, each entry allows up to 90 days, with one 90-day extension per visit. Your total stay still cannot exceed 180 days per year.

Are there Any Conditions or Restrictions?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the visa extension date. Some visa-on-arrival holders can get an extension, but rules vary by nationality and bilateral agreements. Check based on your passport.

How to Extend Your Tourist Visa?

Extensions can be done online via the official portals, GDRFA for Dubai or ICP for the wider UAE, or through authorised travel agents or typing centres.

Why It’s Important to Stay Legal?

The 10-day grace period after expiry has been removed. Starting from the day your visa expires, a fine of AED 50 per day kicks in. There’s no buffer period.

Tourist Visa Extension Options in UAE

The UAE has made it significantly easier to extend tourist visas without needing to leave the country.

1. Extending from Inside UAE (In-country Extension)

This is the most convenient and common method now, allowing you to prolong your stay without physically exiting the UAE.

Eligibility and Duration:

• Most Tourist Visas: Generally, 30-day and 60-day single or multiple-entry tourist visas are extendable.

• Two Extensions: You can typically extend your tourist visa twice, each time for an additional 30 days. This means an initial 30-day visa could become 90 days (30 + 30 + 30).

• Maximum Stay: The total duration of your stay on a visit visa (initial + extensions) usually cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year.

• 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This specific visa allows 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days, for a total of 180 days per visit.

2. Visa Run (Exit and Re-entry)

A “visa run” involves physically leaving the UAE and re-entering to obtain a new visa. While in-country extensions are now widely available, visa runs are still an option for some, particularly if they are not eligible for an in-country extension or if they wish to “reset” their stay period or visa type.

How to Extend Tourist Visa in the UAE?

To extend your tourist visa in Dubai, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Check Eligibility

Ensure your current tourist visa type is extendable. Most 30-day and 60-day single or multiple-entry visas are. You can typically extend twice, each time for an additional 30 days.

Step 2. Apply Before Your Visa Expires

Apply for the extension before your current visa expires. There is no longer a grace period in the UAE, and overstaying incurs daily fines (approx. AED 50 per day). Aim to apply at least 3-5 days before expiry.

Step 3. Apply Online via GDRFA Dubai or ICP Smart Services

The specific portal you use depends on where your initial visa was issued or if you prefer a unified federal system:

• For Dubai-issued Visas: Use the GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website or mobile app.

• For Visas issued in other Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah) or for a unified federal system: Use the ICP Smart Services (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website or mobile app.

Step 4. Access the Online Portal or Mobile App

• GDRFA Dubai: Go to the official GDRFA Dubai website (gdrfad.gov.ae) or download their smart application.

• ICP Smart Services: Go to the official ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or download the “UAEICP” mobile app.

Step 5. Create an Account or Log In

If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register. This typically involves providing your email, phone number, and creating a password. Many services now integrate with UAE Pass.

Step 6. Navigate to the Visa Extension Service

Once logged in, look for a section related to “Services,” “Entry Permits,” or “Visas.” Search for a service like “Extend entry permit,” “Extend a tourist visa,” or “Extend visit visa.”

Step 7. Fill Out the Application Form

The system will ask you to enter your Unified ID (UID) Number or your passport details and current visa information. The UID is a unique number assigned to your visa file; you can usually find it on your existing visa copy.

Step 8. Review and Pay Fees

Review all the information you’ve entered and the uploaded documents to ensure everything is correct. The system will display the total extension fee, which is around AED 600 for 30 days, for base extension fees.

Step 9. Submit the Application

After successful payment, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation message or email with an application reference number.

Step 10. Track Your Application Status

You can usually track the status of your application online using the reference number provided.

Step 11. Receive Approval and New Visa

Once approved, you will receive a notification (usually via email or SMS) with your new extended visa (entry permit) in PDF format. Download and save this document.

Alternatively: Applying Through a Travel Agent or Amer Centre

If you prefer not to apply online yourself, you can:

1. Contact a Travel Agency:

Many licensed travel agencies in Dubai offer visa extension services. They will handle the entire process for a service fee. This can be a good option if you find the online process confusing or want professional assistance.

2. Visit an Amer Center:

Amer Centers are government-authorised service centres that facilitate various immigration services.

1. Visit your nearest Amer Centre.

2. Take all your required documents (passport, current visa, photo).

3. An Amer representative will assist you in filling out the application and submitting it.

4. You will pay the fees at the centre.

What are the Required Documents?

You’ll need a few basic documents to apply for a tourist visa extension in UAE:

• Applicant’s passport copy

• Applicant’s current UAE visa copy

• Passport-sized photograph

• Confirmed onward or return flight ticket (optional)

• Proof of hotel booking or accommodation details (optional)

• Valid travel insurance (in some cases)

Can You Extend a Visa on Arrival in UAE?

Dubai offers visa-on-arrival facilities to nationals of many countries. Whether or not this type of visa can be extended depends on your passport and the visa duration granted at entry.

1. For Nationalities Eligible for 30-day or 90-day Visa on Arrival (Most Common)

Many countries’ citizens are granted a free 30-day or 90-day multiple-entry visa on arrival. These visas are generally extendable from within the UAE.

You can typically extend these visas twice, each time for an additional 30 days. This means a 30-day visa could potentially be extended to a total of 90 days, and a 90-day visa could be extended to 150 days (though the total stay on a tourist visa usually cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year).

2. For Indian Citizens with Specific Visas (e.g., US Visa/Green Card, UK/EU Residence)

Indian nationals holding a normal passport with a valid US visa or green card, or a UK or EU residence permit, can often obtain a 14-day visa on arrival. This 14-day visa on arrival can typically be extended once for an additional 14 days for a fee (around AED 250, though this can vary).

What are Tourist Visa Extension Fees in Dubai?

Most tourist visas (30-day and 60-day single/multiple entry) are generally extendable for 30 days at a time. The tourist extension fees can vary slightly depending on whether you apply directly through government portals (GDRFA/ICP) or through a travel agent/Amer centre (which includes their service charges).

Here are the estimated fees for a 30-day in-country extension:

• Base Extension Fee: Around AED 600

• In-Country Change Fee (if applying from within UAE): Around AED 500

• Knowledge Dirham: AED 10

• Innovation Dirham: AED 10

• VAT (5%): Applied to the total

The UAE has very strict rules regarding overstaying your visa, and fines are immediately applicable if you exceed your authorised stay.

UAE Tourist Visa New Rules in 2025

Here’s a quick look at the latest tourist visa rules you should know before you pack your bags:

• No Grace Period: The 10-day grace period for overstaying has been removed. Fines and penalties now begin immediately after your visa expires.

• In‑Country Extensions Made Easier: Most tourist visas, including 30, 60, and even certain 90-day types can now be extended twice by 30-day increments from within the UAE.

• Updates for Indian Nationals: Eligible Indian citizens with valid visas from the US, UK, EU, or other specified countries can get a 14-day visa on arrival, which is extendable once for an additional 14 days.

• Introduction of a 5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa: This new long-term visa lets visitors enter and exit the UAE multiple times over five years. Each trip allows a 90-day stay, which can be extended once, up to a total of 180 days per year.

Ready to Stay Longer or Settle in Dubai?

Extending your tourist visa in Dubai might seem like a small task, but it’s an important one. Taking action before your visa expires not only helps you avoid unnecessary fines but also ensures a stress-free stay in the UAE. Doesn’t matter if you’re visiting for leisure or thinking about turning your short trip into a longer adventure, or even planning to relocate or start a business, it’s best to get expert guidance.

And that’s what we exactly do at Shuraa Business Setup, we make the process smooth for you. We can guide you through every step, from tourist visa extensions to business setup in Dubai. If you’re planning to move or grow your business here, we’ll handle all the legal work, so you don’t have to worry at all. Just reach out to us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)