Last reviewed: May 2026. Source: ICP official website (icp.gov.ae), GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae).
You can extend most Dubai visit visas from inside the UAE — no visa run required. This quick guide covers eligibility, fees, and the critical overstay rules updated in 2025.
Can You Extend a Dubai Visit Visa Without Leaving?
Yes. Since late 2022, the UAE allows in-country extensions for most 30-day and 60-day tourist and visit visas. You apply online through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA, or in person at an Amer Center — no exit required.
Most eligible visit visas can be extended twice, each time for an additional 30 days, up to a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days per calendar year on visit visas.
Eligibility Criteria
- Your current visit visa must still be valid (not expired)
- Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity
- You must apply before your visa expires — overstay fines begin the day after expiry
- No active immigration violations on your record
Not all visa types are extendable. The 96-hour transit visa and certain 90-day visit visas may not qualify. Check your specific visa type with ICP or GDRFA before applying.
Extension Fees (2026)
Here is a breakdown of the fees for a standard 30-day in-country extension:
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Standard government extension fee | 600 |
| VAT (5%) | 30 |
| In-country processing fee | 500 |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 |
| Estimated total | ~1,150 |
If using a travel agency or typing center, an additional service fee (typically AED 50–150) may apply. Always confirm the current figures with ICP Smart Services or GDRFA before paying.
Required Documents
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
- Copy of your current visit visa or entry stamp
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (white background)
- Valid travel health insurance for the extended duration
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Ejari, or sponsor letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card)
- Return flight ticket (sometimes requested)
How to Apply: 3 Methods
Method 1 — ICP Smart Services (Federal, online)
The ICP portal handles visas for all emirates except Dubai-issued visas. Log in with UAE Pass or create an account, navigate to Entry Permits, complete the form, upload documents, and pay online. Processing: 2–5 working days.
Method 2 — GDRFA Dubai (Dubai-issued visas, online)
If your visa was issued in Dubai, use the GDRFA Dubai portal (gdrfad.gov.ae). The process mirrors ICP: log in, find the visa extension service, submit documents, and pay. Some applications process within 48 hours.
Method 3 — Amer Center (in person, Dubai)
Amer Centers are government-authorised service centres that process GDRFA applications in person. Staff verify your documents before submission. Useful if you prefer assistance or have complex cases. Locate your nearest Amer Center at amercentre.ae.
Overstay Fines — Critical Update (2025)
The rules changed in 2025. The most important update:
- No grace period. The previous 10-day grace period has been removed for most visit visa types. Fines begin accruing the day after your visa expires.
- Fine: AED 50 per day, starting from day 1 after expiry. There is no reduced rate for the first 30 days — it is AED 50 per day from the start.
- Exit permit fee: If you overstay and then depart, an outpass/exit permit costs AED 250–350.
| Overstay Scenario | Fine |
|---|---|
| Each day after visa expiry | AED 50/day (from day 1) |
| Exit permit (outpass) on departure | AED 250–350 |
| Grace period | None (removed 2025) |
You can check and pay any accrued fines online via ICP Smart Services or the GDRFA website using your file number and date of birth.
How to Check Your Dubai Visa Status
Two official channels:
- ICP Smart Services — enter your passport number and date of birth to see visa status and expiry date
- GDRFA Dubai portal — for Dubai-issued visas, check status using your visa file number
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overstay fine in Dubai?
AED 50 per day, starting from the day after your visa expires. There is no grace period for most visit visas since the 2025 policy update. An exit permit (outpass) of AED 250–350 is also required on departure if you overstay.
How much does it cost to extend a Dubai visit visa without leaving?
Approximately AED 1,150 in total: AED 600 base government fee, AED 30 VAT (5%), AED 500 in-country processing fee, and AED 20 in government levies (Knowledge and Innovation Dirham). Typing center or agency service fees are additional (typically AED 50–150).
How many times can I extend my Dubai visit visa?
Most 30-day and 60-day visit visas can be extended twice, each time for 30 days. Total cumulative stay on visit visas cannot exceed 180 days per calendar year.
Can I extend my visa if it has already expired?
No. You must apply before your visa expires. Once expired, you are in overstay and fines begin immediately (AED 50/day). You would then need to pay the accumulated fines and obtain an exit permit to depart legally.
How long does the extension process take?
Online applications via ICP or GDRFA typically take 2–5 working days. Some GDRFA online applications process within 48 hours. In-person Amer Center applications usually follow a similar timeline.