If you are a tourist in the UAE and your visa has expired, it's important to know what to do next. In the UAE, having a valid visa is pretty important — if your visa expires, you are essentially staying in the country without legal permission.
The UAE has rules about visas to make sure all visitors are safe and follow the law. If you stay with an expired visa, you might have to pay a visit visa fine per day.
The following blog will give you all the important details about the steps to take if your visa has expired. We will also discuss the fines that you might have to pay.
If you overstay your visa in the UAE, expect to pay a daily fine. The amount varies based on visa type, with a common UAE visit visa fine per day being AED 50.
It's crucial to contact the UAE's immigration authorities, like the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), for guidance on visa renewal or extension.
You can apply for visa extensions or renewals either online or at designated immigration offices. Make sure to initiate this process well before your visa expires.
You can check any overstay fines through the GDRFA or ICP websites, using your visa file number and personal details.
Stay compliant by tracking your visa expiration date, renewing your visa in time, keeping your passport valid, and adhering to the conditions of your visa.
UAE Visit Visa Overstay Fines
In the UAE, you will face fines if your visa expires and you overstay. This is important because overstaying can have legal consequences, and paying the fines promptly is necessary to remain compliant with UAE laws.
So if you are wondering what is the fine for overstay in UAE, check out the list of the types of fines for different types of visas as of 2023 —
30-Day Visa on Arrival: This applies to passport holders from certain countries like Andorra, Australia, Canada, and the United States, among others. If you overstay, the visit visa fine per day is AED 50. Additionally, an exit permit costing between AED 250-350 may be required upon leaving the UAE.
90-Day Visa on Arrival: Nationals of countries like Argentina, France, Germany, and several others receive a 90-day multiple entry visa on arrival. The UAE visit visa overstay fine in this case is AED 50 per day starting from the first day after the grace period. Similarly, an exit permit costing 250-350 AED might also be needed.
Prepaid Visa Holders: Those from Asian, African, or any other developing countries typically require a prepaid visa. Here, the visit visa overstay fine in UAE is AED 50 from the first day onwards. An exit permit fee is also applicable in this case.
Special Cases for Indian Passport Holders: Indian passport holders with a USA Green Card, USA visa, EU residency visa, or UK residency visa can receive a 14-day visa on arrival, extendable once. Overstay fines are AED 50 per day after the grace period, with an exit permit fee applicable as well.
Mexican Passport Holders (180 Days on Arrival): The visit visa fine per day is AED 50, plus the exit permit fee.
Brazil Passport Holders (90 Days on Arrival): Overstay fines are AED 50 per day from the first day without any grace period, plus the exit permit fee.
Residents: After the residence visa expires, residents have a 30-day grace period. Overstaying beyond this period incurs a fine of AED 50 per day. After six months, the fine remains the same, and it's also the same after one year of overstaying.
You can pay these visit visa overstay fines in UAE at airports, ports, land borders, immigration offices, Amer offices, and typing centres. For those extending their stay through a tourism company, the company can handle the fine payments.
Immediate Steps after UAE Visa Expiry
If your visa expires while you're in the UAE, it's important to take immediate and appropriate steps to avoid legal issues and penalties:
Contact Authorities or Embassies: The first thing you should do is reach out to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). They can provide guidance on the next steps, which may include visa extension or renewal.
Extend or Renew Your Visa: You can apply for an extension or renewal of your visa through the ICA website or in person at a UAE immigration office. While the process generally takes around 5 business days, it's advisable to apply at least 15 days in advance to avoid delays. Note that the application fee varies depending on your visa type.
If You Cannot Extend or Renew: If extension or renewal isn't an option, you may need to leave the UAE. In such cases, contacting your embassy or consulate for assistance with the exit process is advisable.
Exit Procedures for overstayers: If you have overstayed, you should arrive at the airport at least six hours before your departure time in some cases, such as at Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), and Abu Dhabi airports.
In Dubai, it's recommended to visit specific checking centres like Al Qusais Police Station or the Civil Aviation Security Centre 48 hours before departure.
Remember: each case can vary, so it's important to seek advice tailored to your specific situation.
For more detailed information and assistance, you can visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website or consult with a legal expert specialising in UAE immigration laws.
What are the New UAE Visa Extension Rules?
The UAE has implemented new rules for visa extensions to make the process more convenient for travellers. Here is a summary of the key changes —
Duration of Visa Extension: You can now extend your UAE visa for 30 days for a maximum stay of 120 days. This extension applies to various categories of visas.
Application Process for Visa Extension
Online: You can apply for a visa extension online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website.
Offline: Visa extensions can also be processed at GDRFA headquarters, Amer Centers, and other authorised locations in Dubai.
Required Documents: For the extension, you'll need a passport copy with at least two blank pages, a passport-sized photo, and sponsor’s documents (if applicable).
Visa Extension Fees: The fee for a Dubai visa extension for entry permits (tourism) is around AED 1,100, including a request fee of AED 100 and an issuance fee of AED 1,000.
Processing Time: The visa extension process is generally quick, with e-visas typically processed and delivered to your email inbox. It's recommended to apply for an extension a few days before your current visa expires.
UAE Entry Permit Extension: UAE entry permits can be extended up to 90 days, depending on the purpose of the visit. This includes healthcare, study, and GCC companion entry permits.
How to Check Overstay Fine in UAE?
To check your overstay fine in the UAE, you can use the online services provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Here’s a step-by-step guide for each website —
GDRFA Website
Visit the GDRFA website and go to the GDRFA Fine Inquiry Service page (gdrfad.gov.ae/en/fines-inquiry-service).
In the search type options, select ‘File Number’.
Choose either ‘Resident’ (for those holding a residence visa) or ‘Permit’ (for those on a visit or tourist visa).
Enter the required details such as the place of issue, file number, date of birth, and gender.
Solve the captcha verification math equation.
Click on the ‘Submit’ button to view the specifics of your UAE visit visa overstay fine.
ICP Website
Visit the ICP website and move to ICP Smart Services (beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard).
Select the option ‘Fines – Pay Fines – Violations Of Entry Permissions Or Residences – Pay New Fine’.
Choose ‘File Number’ and enter your visa file number and date of birth.
Check the captcha box and click on ‘Search’ to view the details of your overstay fine.
How to Avoid Expired Visas and Stay Compliant?
To avoid expired visas and stay compliant with UAE visa regulations, you can follow these tips —
Track Your Visa Expiry Date: Always be aware of your visa's expiration date. You can set reminders on your phone or mark the date on a calendar so that you don't forget this important date.
Apply for Visa Renewal Early: Don't wait until the last minute to renew your visa. Start the renewal process at least a month before the expiry date to have ample time for processing.
Keep Your Passport Valid: Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the UAE. This is because visa renewal might be complicated if your passport is nearing expiry.
Understand Visa Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and conditions of your visa type. Different visas have different rules regarding stay duration, renewals, and extensions.
Use Official Platforms for Information: Always use official government websites or authorised visa service centres for the most accurate and updated information about visa regulations.
Keep Copies of Important Documents: Maintain copies of all important documents like your passport, visa, and Emirates ID. Digital copies can be particularly useful for quick reference.
Notify Authorities of Changes: If there are changes in your circumstances like a new job or a change in sponsor, promptly inform the relevant UAE authorities. This is because these changes can affect your visa status.