Visiting the wonders of the UAE, and your visa is about to expire? Don’t fret!
This blog is your one-stop guide for visitors like you who want to extend your stay in the United Arab Emirates. We’ll walk you through the simple process of extending your entry permit, allowing you to continue exploring the vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture of the UAE.
Whether you’re captivated by the towering Burj Khalifa, enticed by the desert sands, or simply need more time to soak in the Emirati hospitality, this guide will ensure a smooth and hassle-free extension process. So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to extend your unforgettable UAE experience.
What is an Entry Permit for Visitors in the UAE?
An entry permit, also commonly referred to as a visit visa, is a document issued by the UAE authorities that allows foreign visitors to enter the country for specific purposes such as:
- Tourism: Enjoying the sights and experiences the UAE offers.
- Visiting family or friends: Connecting with loved ones residing in the UAE.
- Business exploration: Attending meetings, conferences, or exploring potential business opportunities.
- Medical treatment: Receiving medical care in the UAE’s renowned healthcare facilities.
- Transit: Briefly passing through the UAE on your way to another destination.
The type of entry permit you require will depend on the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay.
Entry permits in the UAE have varying validity periods depending on the purpose of the visit. The validity ranges from 2 days for transit visas to 5 years for the Multiple Entry Long Term Tourist Visa.
How to Extend Entry Permit
If your entry permit is nearing its expiration, don’t worry. The UAE offers a service to extend your entry permits.
The extension of an entry permit in the country is a service that allows individuals to request a prolongation of their stay.
Note: The duration and the number of times the extension request can be submitted depend on the type of entry permit initially issued.
Extending Entry Permit for 30 Days
Type of Entry Permit
For tourism-related entry permits, such as the Extension of entry permit (for tourism), individuals can request an extension for a period of 30 days, and this extension can be requested twice.
Similarly, for visit-related entry permits, like the Extension of entry permit (visit), the extension period is also 30 days, and it can be requested twice.
For residents of GCC countries, the Extension of entry permit also allows a 30-day extension.
Requirement
To initiate the extension request, certain documents are required. These include a copy of the passport, which serves as proof of identification and travel documents.
Fee
Regarding fees, there are different charges associated with the extension process. For the request itself, there is a fee of 100 AED. Additionally, an issuance fee of 500 AED is applicable. Furthermore, an e-services fee of 10 AED is also charged. The payment for these fees can be made using a credit card.
For the Extension of entry permit for residents of GCC Countries, the request fee is 200 AED, with the issuance fee remaining the same at 500 AED. The e-services fee of 10 AED is also applicable for this type of extension request. Like the other types of extensions, the payment method is accepted by credit card.
Extending Entry for More than 30 Days
Type of Entry Permit
For the Extension of entry permit for treatment, individuals can request an extension for a period of 90 days. Similarly, the Extension of entry permit for companions of GCC citizens allows for an extension of 60 days, while the Extension of entry permit to study can be extended for 90 days.
Requirement
To apply for these extensions, certain documents are required, and a copy of the passport is one of them. The passport copy serves as proof of identification and travel document.
Fee
The extension process involves specific fees. For the Extension of entry permit for treatment, there is a request fee of 100 AED, and an issuance fee of 400 AED is applicable. Additionally, an e-services fee of 10 AED is charged.
For the Extension of entry permit for companions of GCC citizens, the request fee is 50 AED, and the issuance fee is 200 AED. The e-services fee of 10 AED also applies.
For the Extension of the entry permit to study, the request fee is 100 AED, and the issuance fee is 500 AED. The e-services fee of 10 AED is also applicable. The payment method accepted in this issuance is through a credit card.
How to Apply for Entry Permit Extensions
Step 1. Obtaining Service Information
- Contact the call center, use the smart application, visit the authority’s website, or go to customer happiness centers.
- Seek information and guidance on the specific service you wish to apply for.
Step 2. Submitting a service request
Through the website/application:
- Access the official website or download the authorised application.
- Log in using your digital identity or user name.
- Search for the service you want to apply for.
- Fill in the required application data.
- Pay the service fee.
- Submit the application electronically.
Through Typing Centers:
- Visit the nearest Typing Center approved by the authority.
- Get an automated turn ticket and wait for your turn.
- Submit the application, making sure all conditions and required documents are fulfilled.
- Pay the service fee at the Typing Center.
You may receive text messages or emails notifying you about the creation and progress of your application.
You can obtain the service outputs through the electronic system if your application is approved. Follow the instructions provided to access and retrieve the necessary documents or information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extending entry permits as visitors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a crucial process that allows individuals to continue their stay in the country legally and enjoy all that the UAE has to offer. While the process may seem daunting at first, understanding the requirements and following the necessary steps can help make the extension process smooth and hassle-free.
By familiarising yourself with the necessary procedures, gathering the required documentation, staying informed about visa regulations, and maintaining open communication with the authorities, you can navigate the extension process with confidence and enjoy your time in the UAE to the fullest.
