UAE visit visa update: Tourists can now extend their stay from within the country
Since October 2022, the Emirates has introduced several revisions to its entry permit protocols.
Visitors on a 30 or 60-day visit visa in the UAE now have the option to extend their stay within the country by an additional 30 days. This recent decision made by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) allows tourists more time to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings of the country.
Since October of the previous year, the UAE has implemented significant changes to its visa procedures, representing one of the largest reforms in residency and entry permits by the Immigration and Citizenship Program (ICP). As a result, various developments have occurred in the visit visa system of the country.
According to information available on the ICA website, individuals with a 30 or 60-day visit visa can now avail an extra 30 days for their stay, with the maximum extension period being 120 days. A representative from the Amer Centre's call center confirmed that it is indeed possible to extend a visit visa while staying in the country, but advised contacting the visa issuing agent for the extension process.
Maximum extension
Based on information provided by a call center representative at the ICP, visitors in the UAE can extend their stay within the country for a maximum of 30 days. This extension is applicable to both short-term and long-term visit visas. However, it is crucial to remember that the cumulative duration of stay within a year must not exceed 120 days.
The call center executive further explained,
"If a visitor is initially on a 30-day visa, they can extend it multiple times for a total of up to 120 days (30 days for each extension)."
Procedure for extension
To initiate the extension process for a stay in the UAE, tourists or visitors are advised to reach out to their travel agent or sponsor, according to Firose Khan, the operation manager at Arabian Business Centre.
Khan stated,
"Your visa's issuing travel agent or sponsor will be able to guide you on the extension procedure, including the necessary documentation, fees, and any other pertinent information. It is crucial to commence this process well in advance of your current visa's expiration to ensure ample time for the extension to be processed."
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 utilize 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.
News Source: Khaleej Times