Is your time in the UAE flying by? If Dubai and Abu Dhabi have captivated you so much that you don’t want to leave, lucky for you, there are options to extend your stay. You can now extend UAE tourist visa right inside the country without going through all the hassle. Knowing how to extend UAE tourist visa properly can save you from stress, fines, and unnecessary travel expenses.
It is important to note that what actually bothers visitors about paperwork is whether the procedures are long and not too clear, or worse, what punishment-induced fine you can possibly face for overstaying. Getting a visa extension in the UAE is about the easiest and user-friendly way through the ICP Smart Services, GDRFA Dubai, and other service centres to use. With enough information and appropriate timing, extension of stay is a very easy and legal way to continue enjoying this incredible country without boundaries.
In this article, you will be guided through every step you need to extend UAE tourist visa: official procedures, fees involved, and processing time.
You Might Want to Explore: Complete Guide to UAE Tourist Visa 2025
What Is a UAE Tourist Visa?
UAE tourist visas are temporary entry permits issued for tourism, leisure, and family visits. With the help of a UAE tourist visa, you are eligible for a legal stay in the UAE for a particular period to see world-class shopping and fine dining, desert safaris, and cultural attractions. This visa is mostly issued through UAE airlines, hotels, or licensed travel agencies, which is your official permit throughout your stay.
Types of Tourist Visas in the UAE
Different UAE tourist visa types are available to serve different travel purposes and offer flexibility for tourists visiting the Emirates from short-term to long-term stays.
Types of Tourist Visas:
- Short-Term Tourist Visas: Such visas may be valid for either 30 days or 60 days. They may be issued for single entry or multiple entries and are meant for short visits.
- Long-term Tourist Visas: These are appropriate for those tourists who are planning on long-term stays in the UAE.
- UAE visa on arrival: These are types of visas which are granted upon arrival at the airport.
- Transit Visa: For travellers, transit visas through the UAE airports are generally not extendable like other types of tourist visas.
- UAE eVisa for GCC residents: GCC residents can obtain this UAE eVisa for 30 days. You can extend it for more 30 days by applying through the government websites online.
Understanding UAE Visa Extension Authorities
The first thing you must know before your procedure for extending UAE tourist visa is which government authority is responsible for your visa. Depending on where you are staying in the UAE, there are two major authorities managing tourist visa extensions.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or ICP for short, administers visa extensions for all the emirates except Dubai. These include Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. If you are staying in any of these emirates, you would be applying for an extension through ICP Smart Services.
For ICP Smart Services, you can click here.
On the other hand, all visa extensions in Dubai are handled via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai). If you are staying or have had your visa issued in Dubai, you would either use the GDRFA Smart Services or visit one of the Amer Centres that are affiliated with the GDRFA.
For GDRFA Dubai, you can click here.
Both authorities work pretty much the same way in terms of processes, fees, and requirements. The only difference is which online portal you use and which physical service centre you attend.
Who Can Extend a UAE Tourist Visa?
Before planning to extend UAE tourist visa, it is important to know whether your visa is good for extension; after all, not all visa types count. Checking your visa status saves both time and trouble. So here is the eligibility criteria:
Eligible for Extension:
- Single and double-entry tourist visas by UAE airlines (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia)
- Hotel-sponsored visas
- Travel agency-sponsored visas with a valid licence
- Applicants must be physically present in the UAE when applying.
Not Eligible for Extension:
- Border permits issued for particular points of entry
- Truck driver permits for commercial vehicle operators
- Tourist ship crew permits
- Pleasure boat permits
UAE Tourist Visa Extension Rules
You can apply for one or more extensions of a tourist visa, but the length of the extension varies according to the particular category of visa held and the issuance authority. However, there is an important point which needs to be noted: the maximum total stay period as an extension shall not exceed 120 days of the validity of the original tourist visa. That is, for example, if a tourist visa is originally for 30 days, no extension, or all extensions combined, can exceed 120 days after the original validity period; nevertheless, within these limitations, shorter extensions may be applied for and obtained.
Time is of the essence in applying for visas for extension. To remain in a legal position, the extension application must be filed before the expiry of the present visa. Beyond expiry, an overstay happens and will incur all the penalties and legal consequences that follow it. Extension approval is not automatic or a right and must be approved by the ICP or GDRFA based on the personal circumstances of the applicant and compliance with UAE laws.
How to Extend UAE Tourist Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
In the UAE, there are two official methods to extend UAE tourist visa; thus, you may choose between applying online or asking for in-person assistance at the service centres.
Option 1: Extend Tourist Visa Online (ICP or GDRFA Smart Services)
You can access the online method, which works best for applications, at any time of the day or night and usually processes them within a period of 24 to 48 hours.
Steps to Extend UAE Tourist Visa Online:
- Go to the official portal: either ICP Smart Services (Abu Dhabi/other emirates) or GDRFA Smart Services (Dubai).
- Log in using your credentials from the UAE Pass.
- Select the option of either “Extend Entry Permit” or “Tourist Visa Extension” service.
- Fill out the application form, providing passport information and visa information.
- Upload a clear copy of the passport biodata page.
- Review the information carefully before submitting.
- Pay the fee via credit/debit card.
- Note down your reference number for tracking.
- Track the application status through SMS and email notifications.
Option 2: Extend Tourist Visa by Amer Service Centres
There are Amer Customer Happiness Centres providing in-person support located in almost all major emirates. To request quick service, try to visit on the same day or the next day. You can click here for a complete list of Amer Customer Happiness Centres.
Steps to Extend at Amer Centres:
- Find the nearest Amer centre from the official website.
- Visit the centre during operating hours (visit early to minimise waiting hours).
- Get an automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
- Documents and passport copies will be provided at the counter.
- Pay any fees applicable (cash or card accepted)
- You will be provided with a receipt and application confirmation.
Documents Required to Extend UAE Tourist Visa
Understanding UAE tourist visa extension documents is essential, as they include various documents that are mandatory to verify identity, legal status, and eligibility for extension. Always save digital copies of the documents on your mobile so that you will have instant access to these documents when applying.
Required Documents:
- It should be a valid passport copy, which must include the biodata page with a photograph, passport number, and expiry date.
- A valid passport must be valid for more than six months beyond the planned stay.
- Current visa details & entry stamp on passport
- An active UAE Pass account (for applications online via ICP or GDRFA)
- Proof of financial means (for the 5-year multiple-entry visa extension)
- UAE health insurance coverage (for the 5-year multiple-entry visa extension)
- Accommodation details (for the 5-year multiple-entry visa extension)
Free Required to Extend UAE Tourist Visa
Understanding what an extension actually costs in terms of fees will help you budget for the extension process.
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) | Purpose |
| Visa Extension Fee | 600 | Base extension processing charge |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 | Educational initiatives support |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 | Innovation programs contribution |
| VAT (5%) | Variable | Applied to applicable fees |
At Amer centres, cash, debit cards, and credit cards are accepted as payment. It is essential to remember that the visa extension fees are non-refundable. In case your extension is refused for any reason, you will not be able to recover the fees paid. If the extension was applied for after overstaying the visa, another set of overstay fines would be levied and added to the total fees, creating a considerable financial burden on you.
Tourist Visa Extension Processing Time
An understanding of the tourist visa extension processing time would enable you to plan your stay and avoid penalties for overstaying. The official processing timeline is about 48 hours, while approvals usually come faster if complete documentation is made available.
Standard Processing Times
Online Applications (ICP/ GDRFA): In nearly all cases, the process takes about 48 hours. Many approvals, however, are granted in 24 hours from the date of application once all documents are complete and accurate.
Amer Service Centres: Same-day or next-working-day processing usually occurs for walk-in applications.
Factors That May Cause Delays
- Wrong application information.
- Weekend and public holiday in the UAE.
- High volumes of applications during peak seasons (winter months and major holidays).
5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – Extension Rules
Flexibility of stay and rules for extension vary in accordance with the extension procedures, which are distinct from those for regular tourist visas.
How the Extension of 5-Year Multiple Entry UAE Tourist Visa Works
- First entry: Automatically granted for 90 days at every entry.
- Extension: An additional 90 days (1-time extension, around 180 days per visit)
- After 180 days: Exit and re-enter the UAE for a fresh 90 days (extended to a total of 180 days)
- Cycle: Repeats for each of the 5 years of visa validity.
Also Read: Complete Guide to UAE 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Required Documents for Extension of 5-Year Multiple Entry UAE Tourist Visa
- A passport (valid for at least six months) is required.
- Return ticket/onwards ticket
- Proof of funds: Bank statement with a minimum balance of USD 4,000, preferably for the last 6 months
- Insurance: UAE health insurance covering 180 days from a recognised provider
- Accommodation: Hotel bookings or proof of residence address
- Optional: Tour Programme/Itinerary (if required on a case-by-case basis)
Can You Extend a UAE Tourist Visa Without Exiting the Country?
Very much yes. You can extend UAE tourist visa without stepping outside the country. This UAE tourist visa extension without exit can be accomplished by applying online through the ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Smart Services, or you can visit any Amer Customer Happiness Centre. This saves a lot of money and time on subsequent visa runs to the neighbours and makes your stay legal, too. If the extension is declined, it would be necessary to leave the UAE before the expiry of the current visa in order to avoid overstay penalties.
Important Tips for Tourists Applying for Extension of UAE Tourist Visa
Apply Early
To ensure that you can avoid problems that might hinder processing a week before visa expiration, submit within a 5-7 day window. Any last-minute requests for extra documentation could be accommodated.
Use Official Channels Only
Maintain applications with ICP Smart Services, GDRFA Smart Services, or Amer Centres. Never use rogue WhatsApp agents, social media contacts, or companies making the empty promise of immediate approval for a visa.
Organise Your Documents
Keep the hard and soft copies of documents necessary for the visa application. Keep the main documents, i.e., the biodata page of your passport, visa stamps, health insurance, and the most recent bank statement, in a separate folder that can be easily accessed.
For 5-Year Visa Holders
Be sure that your insurance covers your entire stay and your bank balance has continuously met the set of financial criteria over the last six months, all while using the reference number to track your visa application. Keep monitoring your email and mobile SMS.
With all established rules and regulations, how to extend UAE tourist visa is legal and pretty simple. You can apply online via ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Smart Services, or you can choose to visit an Amer centre near you. The extension procedure has been made very convenient for tourists in the UAE. Planning is the secret to hassle-free extension; apply around 5-7 days before the deadline for the visa. Make sure all the documents are accurate and complete, and use the official channels of the government only.
Frequently Asked Questions about Extension of UAE Tourist Visa
1. Can I extend my UAE tourist visa online?
Yes, services are offered from ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Smart Services using the UAE Pass. It would usually take up to 48 hours for the application to be processed.
2. How many times can a tourist extend their UAE tourist Visa?
Extensions may be valid for 120 days paid or up to 120 days without payment.
3. What is the maximum stay on a tourist visa in the UAE?
Regular visit visas: 120 days or countless times under extension. 5-year visa: 180 days per visit at most.
4. How long does it take to extend UAE tourist visa?
At least 48 hours are required for the extension to be approved. Many applications are approved within 24 hours.
5. What happens if I overstay my tourist visa?
Fines are to take place from the very first day. In some cases, a person could receive a ban on entry or deportation.
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