How Much To Renew Visit Visa in Dubai

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Counts as “Renewing” a Visit Visa in Dubai?
  3. The Fee Structure — How Much To Renew Visit Visa in Dubai (Detailed Breakdown)
  4. Where To Apply: Channels and When They Matter
  5. Required Documents and Common Evidence (One Quick List)
  6. Step-By-Step: How To Renew a Visit Visa in Dubai (Numbered Process)
  7. Common Scenarios: Practical Cost Examples
  8. Rules, Limits, and Traps to Avoid
  9. Comparing Options: In-Country Extension vs Short Exit-and-Return
  10. Who Should Sponsor Extensions and How That Affects Fees
  11. Handling Rejections and Appeals
  12. Planning Framework: How To Decide the Right Route (A Practical Blueprint)
  13. Realistic Timelines and What To Expect After Submission
  14. Best Practices for Travelers and Sponsors
  15. Cost-Saving Tips and When to Consider Alternatives
  16. Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and Fixes
  17. How This Fits Into Broader Gulf Travel Planning
  18. Conclusion
  19. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Running up against the expiry date on a Dubai visit visa is one of those travel moments that flips your careful plans into urgent action. Whether you arrived for business, family time, or a longer-than-expected holiday, knowing the exact cost and process to renew your visit visa in Dubai will save you money, stress, and time.

Short answer: The most common charge to renew or extend a Dubai visit visa for each 30-day increment is AED 600 plus 5% VAT (so AED 630). If you apply while physically inside the UAE through certain in-country channels, you will often see a reduced processing fee around AED 500 plus mandatory charges such as the Knowledge and Innovation Dirham (usually AED 20 total) and applicable VAT—bringing the true per-30-day in-country cost close to the AED 550–650 range depending on the channel. Overstaying is fined at AED 50 per day immediately after expiry. Extensions are typically granted in 30-day increments and must keep your total stay under the 180-day annual cap.

This post explains not only the exact fees you can expect for different scenarios, but also the step-by-step process, documents, processing times, practical workarounds, and pitfalls to avoid when renewing a Dubai visit visa. You’ll leave with a clear decision framework so you can choose the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective route to extend your stay.

What Counts as “Renewing” a Visit Visa in Dubai?

Renewal Versus Extension: Clear Definitions

In UAE practice the terms “renewal” and “extension” are often used interchangeably for visit and tourist permits, but there is an important distinction to understand. A true renewal usually refers to replacing an expired residency or long-term permit; for visit visas, authorities issue a permit extension that lengthens the permitted stay on the existing visa. Practically speaking, if you are on a 30- or 60-day visit visa, you request an extension of that visa for additional 30-day increments until you reach regulatory limits.

Which Visas Are Eligible for Extension?

Not all entry permits are treated equally. The most commonly extended types are:

  • Short-stay tourist and visit permits (30 days) and 60-day visit visas — these can be extended in 30-day increments.
  • Multiple-entry visit permits and long-stay tourist visas — extension rules vary but 30-day or 90-day extensions are the norm depending on visa class.
  • Visa-on-arrival categories and special entry permits — often extendable depending on nationality and entry channel.

When in doubt about eligibility, check the emirate-specific authority or the federal portal. For emirate-level guidance and processes, you can consult the dedicated information on the official Dubai visa procedures page.

The Fee Structure — How Much To Renew Visit Visa in Dubai (Detailed Breakdown)

Base Extension Fees

The most frequently quoted charges for a 30-day extension are:

  • AED 600 + 5% VAT (AED 630 total) — this is the standard fee commonly applied when extensions are processed through official federal channels or some visa service providers.
  • AED 500 (in-country processing rate) — certain in-country service channels advertise a reduced fee for residents or those applying inside the UAE. If this applies to you, expect additional mandatory small charges discussed below.

These base numbers represent the core government/service fees per 30-day extension. When calculating your expected total, account for the additional mandatory levies that apply to many in-country transactions.

Mandatory Ancillary Charges

Some additional charges you should always check for before paying:

  • Knowledge Dirham: AED 10 (applies to many Dubai transactions).
  • Innovation Dirham: AED 10.
  • VAT (5%): If the service charge carries VAT, calculate 5% on the base fee.
  • Service/processing fee: Private typing centers or travel agencies may add a handling fee (commonly AED 50–300 depending on provider).
  • Emirates ID or biometric costs: Only relevant if your application triggers an Emirates ID renewal or biometric requirement (mostly for residency visas).

Example calculations:

  • Standard 30-day extension (outside/institution channel): AED 600 + 5% VAT = AED 630. Add AED 20 for Knowledge/Innovation Dirham if required = AED 650.
  • In-country advertised rate: AED 500 + AED 20 Dirhams + 5% VAT on applicable items ≈ AED 540–560 depending on what attracts VAT.

Multiple Extensions and Cumulative Costs

Extensions are usually processed in 30-day increments. If you plan to add 90 days (three successive 30-day increments), multiply the per-30-day total by three and add any repeat administrative fees. Using the standard rate as an example, a 90-day extension processed as three 30-day extensions could cost roughly AED 1,890 (AED 630 × 3), though in-country or packaged services may offer slightly different totals.

Overstay Penalties

Overstaying triggers a fixed fine: AED 50 per day for every day beyond the date of expiry. Under current rules, the previous 10-day grace period is no longer standard—fines apply from the first day after expiry. Avoid overstay fines by applying for your extension before your permit expires.

Where To Apply: Channels and When They Matter

Federal vs Emirate Channels

There are two broad channels to obtain extensions:

  • Federal ICA/ICP portals: Provide extensions that apply across UAE and are commonly used for many multiple-entry and tourism permits.
  • Emirate-level immigration bodies (for Dubai, the GDRFA): Manage in-emirate permits and have the most up-to-date, localized rules for Dubai. Use the GDRFA for Dubai-specific services and check the emirate’s online services if you need precise delivery options and payment breakdowns.

If you are inside Dubai, the GDRFA’s smart services or a registered typing center typically processes extensions more quickly for certain permit classes. For a federal perspective and extensions across other emirates, consult the UAE immigration services hub for guidance.

Private Providers and Airlines

Airlines, travel agents, and private typing centers often offer visa extension packages and convenience services. They add handling fees but can shorten turnaround times — useful if you need an expedited response. When using private providers, always ask for an itemized invoice that separates government fees from service charges.

Popular Channels at a Glance

  • GDRFA Dubai app/website (fast for Dubai-specific permits).
  • ICP/ICA federal portal (useful for cross-emirate validity and some multiple-entry permits).
  • Amer and federal-enabled typing centers (support for other emirates).
  • Licensed travel agencies and major airlines for visitor visa extensions sold as a package.

For travelers balancing time across the Gulf, consult general regional travel planning resources such as our regional Gulf travel advice for practical tips on coordinating itineraries and visa dates.

Required Documents and Common Evidence (One Quick List)

  • Valid passport copy (minimum six months validity recommended).
  • Current visa copy / Entry stamp.
  • Passport-size photo (white background) where requested.
  • Proof of travel insurance (if requested).
  • Return or onward ticket (depending on the visa type).
  • Sponsor details or guarantee letters (if the visa was sponsored).

This concise list covers the essentials; additional documents are sometimes requested depending on visa type and applicant nationality — for example, a sponsor’s UAE residence copy or proof of accommodation. Keep digital and printed copies ready.

Step-By-Step: How To Renew a Visit Visa in Dubai (Numbered Process)

  1. Check your visa expiry date and eligibility to extend (confirm total days already spent in UAE this calendar year).
  2. Choose your channel (GDRFA app/website for Dubai, ICP/ICA for other emirates, or a licensed agent).
  3. Gather documents listed above and scan them (passport biodata page, visa page, photos).
  4. Submit the online application or visit the typing center; attach documents and pay the fee.
  5. Track the application status via the portal, SMS, or email.
  6. Receive updated permission electronically and keep a copy on your phone and in print.
  7. If the application is rejected, understand the reason, remedy the missing document, and reapply promptly.

Following each of these steps will reduce turnaround time and the chance of rejection. For emirate-specific submission steps and app-based guidance, review the official Dubai immigration procedures resources.

Common Scenarios: Practical Cost Examples

Scenario A — Short Extension from Outside the UAE

You are outside the UAE but your visa allows you to enter and later extend. In many cases, the standard extension charged via federal channels will be AED 600 + VAT per 30 days. If you plan 30 additional days, budget AED 650–700 to cover administrative variations.

Scenario B — Applying Inside the UAE

If you are already in Dubai and apply via in-country channels, you may encounter the AED 500 in-country fee plus the AED 20 Dirham charges. Expect total cost around AED 540–600 once VAT and processing fees are included.

Scenario C — Extending a Long-Stay or Multiple-Entry Visa

Long-stay visas and five-year multiple-entry tourist visas have different extension rules (often larger increments such as 90 days). Extension fees per increment may be higher (e.g., AED 850 per extension in some service channels) — always confirm the increment and fee with the issuing authority.

Scenario D — Emergency or Expedited Requests

If you require same-day or expedited processing, private service providers or travel agencies may charge premium handling fees (AED 200–500+) on top of government charges. Use expedited services when timelines are tight and you can accept the added cost.

Rules, Limits, and Traps to Avoid

Maximum Annual Stay

Under current policy, you cannot exceed 180 days in the UAE within a single calendar year on visit/tourist permits, including all extensions. Keep track of entry and extension dates so you don’t accidentally breach the annual cap.

Eliminated Grace Period

The commonly referenced 10-day grace period after expiry has been removed in many cases. Fines now apply from day one after expiry, so do not delay application thinking you have a buffer.

Multiple Extensions

Some visa classes allow multiple successive extensions, but the total must remain inside the annual 180-day limit. Plan ahead if you intend to extend multiple times — calculate cumulative days.

Switching Visa Types

If your purpose of stay changes (e.g., from tourism to employment), you must follow the proper sponsorship and residency visa application process. Attempting to work or engage in business activities on a tourist permit is a regulatory risk.

Overstay Enforcement

Overstayers may face travel blocks, deportation proceedings, or bans depending on the duration and circumstances. If you face an administrative error or believe a fine is unjust, retain the application reference and seek clarification from the issuing authority or an accredited immigration consultant.

Comparing Options: In-Country Extension vs Short Exit-and-Return

There are two practical strategies when facing imminent expiry: apply for an in-country extension or exit and re-enter on a fresh visa.

In-country extension advantages: avoids travel costs, faster in most emirates, maintains continuity of plans. Disadvantages: subject to in-country quotas or eligibility rules; may carry slightly higher fees in some channels.

Exit-and-return advantages: may be cheaper if you can secure a lower-priced arrival visa, and useful when annual stay cap permits fresh days. Disadvantages: airline change, travel costs, time lost, and the risk that passport stamping policies vary by nationality and airline.

Decide by comparing the total cost (extension fees + time value) versus the exit/return travel cost. If you’re already close to the 180-day annual cap, exit-and-return is not an option.

Who Should Sponsor Extensions and How That Affects Fees

If your visit visa was sponsored by a resident, a company, or an agency, the sponsor often submits the extension request and pays the fee. When an individual sponsor applies from within the UAE, some emulator channels impose slightly different in-country rates. When a travel agency or airline is the sponsor, they may bundle the extension into a package that hides some of the government fees but adds their service fee.

When you’re self-funded or using an on-arrival permit, you will typically interact directly with government portals or licensed typing centers.

Handling Rejections and Appeals

If your extension application is rejected, the portal or office should supply a reason. Common causes:

  • Passport validity insufficient (passport must be valid for at least six months on many services).
  • Missing or mismatched documentation.
  • Exceeded the annual 180-day stay limit.
  • Previous immigration violations or unpaid fines.

If rejected, correct the issue and reapply promptly. For complex rejections or situations involving fines and travel bans, seek professional assistance from licensed immigration consultants or an authorized typing center.

Planning Framework: How To Decide the Right Route (A Practical Blueprint)

When you must decide whether to extend, leave and re-enter, or convert to a residence visa, follow this pragmatic sequence:

  1. Confirm days already spent in the UAE this calendar year.
  2. Check the exact expiry date and process timelines in your emirate (GDRFA vs ICP/ICA).
  3. Calculate total extension cost (per-30-day fees × number of increments + dirham charges + VAT + handling fees).
  4. Compare the cost and time of an exit-and-return option.
  5. If switching to a residency or employment path, evaluate sponsor requirements and medical/ID costs.
  6. Apply via the most appropriate channel with fully prepared documents.

For travelers who plan multi-country Gulf trips, coordinating entry dates and visa lifespans is important; our regional Gulf travel advice and federal immigration hub offer checklists that help synchronize itineraries and visa windows.

Realistic Timelines and What To Expect After Submission

Processing times vary by channel and emirate but expect the following as a baseline:

  • GDRFA in Dubai: 2–5 working days for standard extensions via the app or website.
  • ICP/ICA federal channels: 3–7 working days depending on load and visa type.
  • Typing centers/agents: may process within 1–3 business days if documentation is complete and fees are paid.

Keep application receipts and reference numbers. Most approvals come electronically; keep a printed copy as some authorities or airlines may request it.

Best Practices for Travelers and Sponsors

  • Start early: Submit your extension application at least 5–7 days before expiry to avoid last-minute processing delays.
  • Keep digital copies: Store scanned copies of passport, visa, photos, and sponsor documents in a cloud folder.
  • Verify VAT and dirham charges: Ask for a detailed invoice to see government fees versus private service fees.
  • Use official channels for final approvals: If an agent initiates the process, confirm the approval via the official portal or the GDRFA/ICP notifications.
  • Avoid informal offers: Do not pay individuals who promise “instant” extensions outside official channels.

If you’re planning visits to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia during your Gulf trip, our editorial resources can help you coordinate entry windows—see our Saudi travel planning resources and Riyadh travel resources for recommended sequencing and logistics.

Cost-Saving Tips and When to Consider Alternatives

  • If you can leave and re-enter without jeopardizing your total annual days, compare the total exit-and-return travel cost with the cumulative extension fee.
  • Book travel on airlines that assist with visa services if the bundled arrival visa is cheaper.
  • If you intend to stay for many months, evaluate switching to a residency visa (employment, investor, or family sponsorship) which can be more cost-effective long-term despite the upfront processing and medical costs.
  • When multiple extensions are needed, negotiate package pricing with a licensed agent, but ensure clarity on total government fees versus service charges.

For long-term trip coordination or switching between GCC destinations, our Gulf resources on regional logistics will help you choose the right regional route: Gulf travel advice.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and Fixes

  • Mistake: Waiting until the last day to apply. Fix: Apply a week early.
  • Mistake: Using a non-accredited agent who doesn’t provide proof of submission. Fix: Insist on official portal confirmation numbers.
  • Mistake: Overlooking passport validity rules. Fix: Renew your passport if it has less than six months validity before applying.
  • Mistake: Miscalculating total days in UAE. Fix: Maintain a travel log of entry and exit stamps; include dates from all emirates.

If you face complex or uncommon issues, consult accredited immigration specialists or approach the GDRFA in Dubai directly.

How This Fits Into Broader Gulf Travel Planning

Extending a Dubai visit visa is often a tactical part of a larger Gulf itinerary. If you plan a regional multi-city trip—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and AlUla—you’ll manage different entry windows and rules. For Abu Dhabi-specific adjustments or parallel extension procedures in other emirates, consult Abu Dhabi visa rules and services and the federal portal.

For travelers who also intend to visit Saudi Arabia as part of their Gulf route, our core content helps you design an itinerary that respects both Saudi entry requirements and UAE stay limits: see the Saudi Arabia planning hub.

Conclusion

Renewing or extending a visit visa in Dubai is straightforward once you understand the fee components and the available channels. Expect to pay roughly AED 600 + 5% VAT per 30-day extension when using standard services, with in-country options often showing a base of AED 500 plus small mandatory charges. Prioritize applying before your visa expires to avoid the AED 50-per-day overstay fine and plan extensions with the 180-day annual cap firmly in mind.

If you want our step-by-step planning templates, city-specific advice, and practical checklists to organize a seamless Gulf itinerary, start planning your trip at Saudi Travel & Leisure.

Start planning your unforgettable journey by visiting the Saudi Travel & Leisure portal today: Begin your travel planning here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to renew a 30-day visit visa in Dubai?

The typical cost for a 30-day extension is AED 600 plus 5% VAT (AED 630), though some in-country channels advertise a base AED 500 rate plus AED 20 for Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams and applicable VAT. Expect actual totals around AED 540–650 depending on the channel and any service fees.

2. Can I extend my Dubai visit visa without leaving the country?

Yes. Extensions can generally be requested from within the UAE using the GDRFA smart services app (Dubai) or the federal ICP/ICA portals, and through licensed typing centers and travel agencies.

3. What happens if my visa extension is rejected?

You will receive a reason for the rejection. Fix the documented deficiency—such as missing documents or exceeded stay limits—and reapply. For complicated rejections involving fines or potential travel bans, seek help from an accredited immigration consultant.

4. How much is the fine for overstaying a visit visa in Dubai?

The standard fine is AED 50 per day for every day beyond your visa expiry, with fines typically applying from the first day after expiry. Avoid delays and apply for extensions before your permit expires.

For more tailored itineraries, visa checklists, and travel planning tools across the Gulf—especially when combining Dubai with visits to Saudi cities such as Riyadh or cultural destinations like AlUla—visit our resources at Saudi Travel & Leisure.