UAE Tourist Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Stay in 2024

UAE Tourist Visa Extension: Planning to extend your stay in the UAE? If you’re visiting and wish to extend your tourist visa, you might need to be aware of some recent changes. The UAE now offers 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, and unlike before, extending your stay requires you to exit the country and re-enter.

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest visa extension process for tourists in the UAE.

Types of UAE Tourist Visas (2024 Update)

As of 2024, the UAE provides two main types of tourist visas for visitors:

30-Day Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of visa for short visits, allowing travelers to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days.
60-Day Tourist Visa: Ideal for longer visits, this visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 60 days. It’s perfect for travelers seeking more time to explore the UAE or visit family and friends.

Can You Extend Your UAE Tourist Visa?

The current regulations no longer allow tourists to extend their stay by applying for an extension from within the UAE. Instead, travelers who wish to extend their stay must exit the country and re-enter to obtain a new visa. This process is commonly referred to as a “visa run”.

Visa Run: How to Extend Your UAE Stay

The most common way to extend your stay now is to do a visa run. A visa run is a process where a traveler briefly exits a country and re-enters in order to reset their visa status or obtain a new visa. It is commonly used when a tourist or visitor visa is about to expire, and the person wants to extend their stay without going through a lengthy visa extension process. Here’s how it works:

1. Exit the UAE

You must leave the UAE before your current visa expires. Many travelers opt for quick trips to nearby countries such as Iran, Oman, Bahrain, or Qatar.

2. Re-Enter the UAE

Upon re-entering the UAE, you will be issued a new tourist visa, allowing you to stay for another 30 or 60 days, depending on the visa you apply for. Make sure to check the re-entry requirements based on your nationality.

3. Use a Visa Service Provider

Some agencies offer visa-run services, where they handle all the logistics of your exit and re-entry, including transportation and visa application. You can also reach us via our contact page so that we can get you the best possible solutions via our participating travel agency in the UAE.

Required Documents for a New Tourist Visa

To ensure a smooth re-entry, make sure to have the following documents ready when you reapply for a tourist visa:

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of re-entry.
Exit Stamp: You must provide proof that you left the UAE (exit stamp on your passport).
Return Ticket: It’s advisable to have a return ticket if you plan to apply for a new visa upon re-entry.
New Visa Application Fee: Fees vary depending on the visa type, but be prepared for additional costs for the new visa and travel expenses.

Costs Involved in the UAE Tourist Visa Extension

While the UAE visa itself can cost around AED 500 to AED 1000 depending on the visa type, you should also budget for your exit and re-entry expenses. This may include:

Flight tickets: For a quick visa run, budget flights to Iran, Oman, Qatar, or other nearby destinations are popular choices.
Visa fees: Depending on your destination for the visa run, you may need to pay for a short-term visa to enter that country before re-entering the UAE.

Overstaying in the UAE

If you overstay your tourist visa without leaving the UAE, you will face fines of AED 100 per day for each day beyond your visa’s expiration. Additional exit fees may apply when you finally leave the country. It is critical to either exit the country before your visa expires or arrange a visa run in time to avoid penalties.

Why Has the UAE Introduced This Rule?

The UAE has implemented these changes to better regulate the flow of visitors and ensure that the visa system remains secure and efficient. By requiring tourists to exit the country before obtaining a new visa, the government can better manage overstays and ensure compliance with immigration rules.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Visa Run

Plan Ahead: It’s essential to plan your exit well before your visa expires. Many travelers recommend booking tickets for the visa run at least a week in advance.
Check Airline Policies: Some airlines may not allow passengers to re-enter on a tourist visa after a short exit. Ensure you are familiar with the rules of your chosen airline before making arrangements.
Use a Visa Agency: If you want to avoid the hassle of organizing your own visa run, numerous agencies offer packages that include round-trip flights, transportation, and visa services for a smooth process. Our team can provide you the complete solutions for UAE Tourist Visa Extension at the most affordable price in the UAE.

UAE Tourist Visa Extension for Nepalese Travelers

Nepalese tourists visiting the UAE on a tourist visa can easily extend their stay following the same process outlined above. This is especially helpful for those who come for job hunting or family visits and want to explore more of the UAE without the hassle of exiting the country.

However, it is not recommended for Nepalese citizens to exit to Nepal for visa changes, as Nepal’s airport regulations have become stricter regarding travel on a visit visa to the UAE. Travelers may face difficulties re-entering the UAE due to these regulations. It is advisable to consider nearby destinations such as Oman or Bahrain for the visa run, ensuring a smoother process and avoiding complications at Nepal’s airport.

Final Thoughts

While extending your UAE tourist visa may now require you to exit and re-enter the country, the process is relatively straightforward and manageable with proper planning. Whether you’re visiting family, looking for job opportunities, or simply enjoying the beauty of the UAE, understanding the new visa extension process will help you make the most of your stay.

Ensure you stay on top of your visa dates and plan your exit in advance to avoid fines or complications. If in doubt, consult a visa service provider for the most up-to-date advice and support. You can always reach us for UAE Tourist Visa Extension. Safe travels!