The UAE modified its entry permit system in October 2022, giving visitors the option to prolong their stay by an additional 30 days from the customary visit visa of 30 or 60 days. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) are responsible for putting these amendments into effect.
Visitors with a 30 or 60-day visit visa can now request for a 30-day extension, up to a total of 120 days, according to information published on the ICA website. The ICA advised people to speak with their sponsor or the person who issues their visa for further information on the extension request process, necessary paperwork, costs, and other pertinent information. A reminder to start the process before the existing visa expires to give yourself enough time for processing.
The visitor’s passport is among the documents required for a visit visa extension, and the issuing agent will provide more information on the required paperwork. Depending on the travel agent processing the application, the extension procedure could take a few days, but according to the ICP website, the service can be delivered within 48 hours of all requirements being met.
According to Firose Khan, the Arabian Business Centre’s operation manager, a one-month visa extension costs AED1,050. A breakdown of the extension fees can be seen on the GDRFA website. These expenses include an AED600 visa extension fee (plus 5% value-added tax), an AED10 knowledge dirham fee, an AED10 innovation dirham fee, and an additional AED500 price for those who are already in the nation. The overall cost of the visa may change based on a person’s unique situation or other elements.
To avoid any fines or complications during the exit procedure, it is advised for travellers to either leave the country before their visa expires or extend their visas. The extension option accommodates a variety of needs, including travel, family visits, business meetings, and personal matters, enabling visitors to make the most of their time in the UAE by exploring famous landmarks, taking in some retail therapy, indulging in delectable cuisine, and taking in the culture of the nation’s first-rate hospitality.
