UAE Visit Visa Extension: 2026 Rules for Tourists & Business Travellers

The UAE's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has confirmed the 2026 framework for extending a UAE visit visa from inside the country. Tourists and business travellers can now extend their stay twice for 30 days each, eliminating the older "visa run" requirement to exit and re-enter via a neighbouring country.

Who can extend a UAE visit visa from inside the country?

• Holders of a 30-day or 60-day single-entry tourist visa.
• Holders of a 60-day visit visa sponsored by a UAE resident or business.
• The visa must still be valid on the date the extension is filed — applications submitted after expiry attract overstay fines.

How much does the extension cost?

The standard government fee for each 30-day extension is AED 600, plus an AED 100 service charge and AED 100 e-service fee. Total cost per extension is approximately AED 800. Two extensions therefore cost around AED 1,600 in government fees, separate from any agent service charge.

Documents required

• Passport copy (validity at least 6 months beyond the requested extension date).
• Current entry stamp / e-visa copy.
• UAE address (hotel booking or sponsor's Emirates ID).
• Recent passport-size photo (white background).

Processing time

Extensions filed through the GDRFA Smart Services portal or the ICP app are typically approved within 24–48 hours. Walk-in extensions at GDRFA service centres (including Al Jafiliya, Al Awir, and Al Manara) are processed same-day in most cases.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstay fines resumed at AED 50 per day from 1 April 2026 after the temporary grace period ended. Travelling out of the country with unpaid overstay fines will block re-entry and may trigger a future-visa ban.

Apply for a UAE visa

If you're outside the UAE and need a fresh visit visa, you can apply for a UAE visa online through eVisas.io with same-day processing for most nationalities.