UAE Visa Extension

Which UAE Visas Can Actually Be Extended?

Not every visa is extendable. This is the first fact that catches travellers off guard.

Extendable Visas:

• 30-day single-entry tourist visas may be extended, subject to approval by the issuing authority 

• 60-day tourist visas may be extended subject to GDRFA approval 

• Visit visas for relatives and friends may be extended, with total stay not exceeding 180 days in a calendar year 

• Business visit visas for work missions may be extended for the same duration, subject to MOHRE approval 

• 5-year multiple-entry tourist visas allow a 90-day stay per visit, extendable for another 90 days, with total stay not exceeding 180 days per year 

Non-Extendable Visas:

• 90-day long-term tourist visas are strictly non-extendable 

• 30-day multiple-entry short-term leisure visas are non-extendable 

• 90-day multiple-entry long-term leisure visas are non-extendable 

The Extension Fee Structure: What You Actually Pay

The GDRFA has standardised extension fees across most categories:

Base Extension Fee: AED 600 plus 5% VAT 

Additional Fees (If You Are Already Inside the UAE):

• Fee inside the country: AED 500 

• Knowledge Dirham: AED 10 

• Innovation Dirham: AED 10 

Total for In-Country Extension: Approximately AED 1,146 (including VAT)

The total amount may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the sponsored person or any other reasons that may require adjustment .

The 48-Hour Processing Window

The GDRFA lists the expected completion time for visa extensions as 48 hours for digital applications submitted through official channels .

However, this 48-hour window assumes your application is submitted correctly and completely. Incomplete applications or document issues can stretch processing to several days.

The Critical Deadline: No Grace Period

This is the most important warning in this entire guide.

There is no grace period for tourist and visit visas in the UAE .

Fines begin accruing from the first day after your visa expires. The former 10-day grace period for tourist visas has been removed .

Overstay fines are AED 50 per day, unified across all visa types and all seven emirates, effective 11 February 2026 .

If you think your visa expires on the 15th but it actually expires on the 14th, you will be fined AED 50 for the 15th—even if you are at the airport trying to leave.

How to Apply for Your Extension

Digital Channels:

1. Log in to the GDRFA smart services system through UAE Pass or username 

2. Search for the service you need (tourist visa extension, relative visit visa extension, etc.)

3. Fill in the application data 

4. Pay the service fee 

Amer Service Centre:

1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre 

2. Get an automated turn ticket 

3. Submit your application and documents to the customer service employee 

Required Documents:
The only listed requirement is a passport copy . However, we recommend having your current visa copy and any supporting documentation ready.