uae tourist visa extension 2026 | how to extend uae visa without exit
16-Oct-2025

UAE Tourist Visa Extension Guide 2026: How to Extend Your UAE Tourist or Visit Visa Without Exit

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The UAE continues to be one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations in 2026 — from Dubai’s futuristic skyline to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks and Sharjah’s heritage beauty. Many visitors, after experiencing the country’s charm, wish to extend their stay beyond the initial visa validity. The good news? You can now extend your UAE tourist or visit visa without exiting the country through a streamlined online process.


Understanding UAE Tourist Visa Validity and Extension Rules

Tourist visas in the UAE are typically issued for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the type of visa you applied for. Earlier, visitors had to leave the UAE and reapply for a new visa to extend their stay. However, the updated visa extension rule allows tourists to extend their visa from within the UAE, saving both time and travel costs.


New UAE Tourist Visa Extension Policy Updates for 2026

The UAE introduced significant improvements to its visa policies to support tourism and encourage longer stays. As of 2026, visitors holding valid UAE tourist or visit visas can now extend their stay twice, each time for 30 days, without leaving the country.

Key Benefits of the Updated Extension Policy

  • No need to exit the UAE for renewal.

  • Fast and fully online extension process.

  • Available for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas.

  • Allows visitors to stay closer to family, attend events, or explore job opportunities.

Who Can Extend Their Visa Without Exit?

The extension applies to:

  • Holders of 30-day and 60-day tourist visas.

  • Holders of multiple-entry UAE visit visas.

  • Tourists visiting friends or family.

  • Students and business visitors with valid tourist visas.

  • Widows, divorcees, and dependents under special residency categories (eligible for one-year extension).


UAE Tourist Visa Extension Options: 30, 60, and 90 Days

Depending on your travel plan, you can apply for:

  • 30 Days UAE Tourist Visa Extension: Ideal for short-term visitors or those on holiday.

  • 60 Days UAE Tourist Visa Extension: Suitable for tourists who wish to explore the country longer or attend events.

  • 90 Days UAE Tourist Visa Extension: Perfect for long-stay travelers or those waiting for job or residency approvals.


Eligibility and Exemptions for UAE Visa Extension

While most tourist and visit visa holders are eligible, the following categories are not covered under the new rule:

  • GCC nationals (who can enter visa-free).

  • Holders of special mission entry visas (96 hours).

  • Tourists accompanied by GCC citizens.


Required Documents for UAE Tourist Visa Extension

Prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Passport: Clear color scan of the first and last pages, valid for at least six months.

  • Photograph: Recent passport-size photo (4.3 cm x 5.5 cm) with white background.

  • PAN Card (for Indian nationals): Colored scan copy for verification.


Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for UAE Tourist Visa Extension Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Visa Application Portal

Go to the UAE Visa Online platform and select your nationality and current country of residence.

Step 2: Choose Visa Type

Select the Tourist Visa Extension option — choose 30, 60, or 90 days as per your need.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter accurate personal, travel, and passport details. Double-check all information before submission.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach scanned copies of your passport, photo, and additional identification documents.

Step 5: Make Payment Securely

Pay the visa extension fee using a valid card. A confirmation email with an Application ID will be sent to you for tracking your visa status.


UAE Tourist Visa Extension Fees and Processing Time

  • Visa Validity: Up to 58 days (for each extension).

  • Stay Duration: 30 days per extension.

  • Processing Time: 3–5 working days (subject to approval and security checks).

  • Visa Extension Fees (2026): Approximately USD 500, depending on the duration and nationality.

Note: Fees and processing times may vary due to immigration regulations or holiday schedules.


Grace Period and Overstay Penalties

If your visa expires and you haven’t applied for an extension, you have a 10-day grace period to regularize your stay. After that, a fine of AED 100 per day will apply until you renew or exit. It’s crucial to submit your extension request before your visa expires.


Important Tips Before Applying for Visa Extension

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

  • Avoid last-minute applications to prevent penalties.

  • Always use an authorized visa service provider.

  • Check if your visa type allows multiple extensions.


Risks of Unofficial Visa Extension Methods

Many travelers fall victim to unregistered agents who promise cheap “visa runs” or unauthorized extensions. These methods are risky and can lead to:

  • Visa rejection or blacklisting.

  • Fines and immigration bans.

  • Loss of personal information or money.

Always rely on trusted platforms like UAE Visa Online, which provides verified, secure, and government-approved visa processing.


Why Apply Through Our Professional UAE Visa Services

By applying through our expert visa platform, you ensure:

  • 100% legal and government-approved visa handling.

  • Fast processing with real-time application tracking.

  • Dedicated customer support for every stage.

  • Secure online payment and document submission.


Call to Action: Extend Your UAE Tourist Visa Hassle-Free

Don’t risk overstaying or last-minute penalties — apply for your UAE Tourist Visa Extension today!

Apply now for your Emirates Visa and enjoy a stress-free, legal, and seamless stay extension inside the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, 90 days is the maximum stay limit for tourists in the UAE (including extensions). However, if you have a genuine reason such as medical treatment or family emergency, you can request an exceptional extension through the immigration office with supporting documents.

You can easily track your visa extension status online using the Application ID received via email after submission. Visit the UAE Visa Online tracking section and enter your ID to see real-time updates.

  • Visa Extension means prolonging your current stay without leaving the UAE.

  • Visa Renewal means applying for a new visa once the old one has expired.
    Both are done through the UAE Visa Online platform, but extensions are faster and don’t require exit or re-entry.

If your application is rejected, check the reason provided by immigration. You can reapply after correcting the issue, such as missing documents or expired passport. Alternatively, contact our expert visa support team to review and resubmit your application accurately

Yes, multiple-entry visa holders can extend their visa from within the UAE. Each entry allows a certain duration of stay (e.g., 30 or 60 days), and extensions can be requested before the permitted stay period ends.

Yes, most visa-on-arrival nationalities can extend their stay once for an additional 30 days by applying online before their initial stay period ends. However, this may vary depending on nationality and bilateral agreements.

If you overstay after your 10-day grace period, you’ll be charged a daily fine of AED 100, plus administrative penalties. Continued overstay may result in travel bans or legal actions under UAE immigration law.

Yes, applications can be submitted online 24/7, but processing will resume only on official working days. Plan your extension early if your visa is expiring near a public holiday or weekend to avoid delays.

Absolutely. Once your visa extension is approved, you can freely travel across all Emirates — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain — without restrictions.

Visa extension fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. To minimize this risk, ensure all your details and documents are accurate before submission, or use our professional visa assistance service for guaranteed accuracy.

Currently, biometric verification is not mandatory for visa extensions. The process is fully online — requiring only document uploads and online payment.

No. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of visa extension. If it’s expiring soon, renew your passport first before applying.

It’s best to apply for your visa extension at least 5 to 7 days before your current visa expires. This ensures smooth processing and avoids overstay fines or entry bans.

Yes. You can convert your tourist visa to an employment or residence visa inside the UAE if you receive a valid job offer or sponsor. The visa status can be updated through a visa change inside the country process.

Yes. As per the UAE’s 2026 visa policy, you can extend your UAE tourist or visit visa twice, each for 30 days, without exiting the country. This allows a total extended stay of up to 60 additional days if both extensions are approved.

Yes, dependents such as children, spouses, or parents on tourist visas can also apply for visa extensions. Each applicant, regardless of age, must submit a separate online application.

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