How to Extend a UAE Tourist Visa in 2025: Rules, Costs, Process & Tips

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a hub of luxury, commerce, and innovation that attracts millions of tourists each year. Whether you're in Dubai for leisure, family visits, or just exploring the Gulf, you may find yourself wanting to stay longer than your visa allows. Fortunately, the UAE offers options to extend your tourist visa. However, as of 2025, the rules, costs, and procedures for extensions have undergone key updates that travelers need to understand in detail. This guide provides a complete breakdown of how to legally extend your UAE tourist visa in 2025.

30-day tourist visa
This short-term visa is often issued to tourists from visa-required countries. It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry and can be extended once for another 30 days without exiting the country.

60-day tourist visa
The 60-day visa is common for travelers booking through airlines, travel agents, or sponsors. Like the 30-day visa, this can also be extended once for an additional 30 days.

5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
This long-term visa allows multiple visits to the UAE, with a stay of up to 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days. This visa requires a separate process for extensions, and additional documentation proving financial stability may be needed.

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) nationals
Citizens of certain countries (like the US, UK, EU states, etc.) are granted a visa on arrival. Most of these are eligible for extensions, but the rules vary based on nationality.

As per the UAE immigration policy in 2025:

• You can extend your 30-day or 60-day tourist visa once, by 30 additional days, without leaving the country.
• The maximum stay limit for a tourist is 120 days per calendar year, across all extensions and re-entries.
• For multiple-entry 5-year tourist visas, you can stay 90 days per visit, with one possible 90-day extension per visit.
• Visa-on-arrival can usually be extended once for 30 more days, depending on bilateral agreements with your home country.

Step 1: Confirm visa eligibility and expiration date
Check your visa type and remaining validity on the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) portal or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – applicable in Dubai).

Step 2: Choose extension method
You can apply via:

• ICP Smart Services Portal (for all emirates except Dubai): https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
• GDRFA Dubai Portal (for visas issued in Dubai): https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Authorized typing centers and travel agencies in UAE

Step 3: Prepare necessary documents

• Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
• Current tourist visa copy
• Passport-size photograph (white background)
• Proof of onward or return flight (optional but may be requested)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tenancy contract)

Step 4: Pay the extension fee
See the “Fees and Costs” section below for details. Payments can be made online or in person at authorized centers.

Step 5: Wait for approval
Approval can take from 24 to 72 hours. Once approved, your visa validity will automatically update in the immigration system.

Step 6: Download the updated visa
You can download the extended visa document from the portal and keep a digital or printed copy for safety.

The cost of extending a tourist visa in 2025 includes:

• Application fee: AED 200–250
• Service fee: AED 50–100
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 5% on total
• ICP Smart Service fee (if using online portal): AED 20
• Overstay fines (if late): AED 50 per day + AED 300 exit clearance

Example Total for 30-Day Extension
If you’re applying within the validity period and through ICP portal:
Total = AED 300–350

Note: Fees may vary slightly based on emirate (e.g., Dubai may charge a different administrative fee than Abu Dhabi).

Yes, but it’s risky. You must pay an overstay fine of AED 50 per day beyond your visa expiry date, along with an exit clearance of AED 300. If you overstay for more than 10 days without initiating an extension, you may face travel bans or deportation, especially if you’re a repeat offender.

It's best to apply for an extension at least 3–5 days before your visa expires to avoid any complications.

In-country visa extension

• Convenient and fast
• No need to leave UAE
• Applies to 30- and 60-day visas
• Done online or via typing centers

Out-of-country extension (visa run)

• Used when in-country extension is not allowed or exhausted
• Traveler exits the UAE (to Oman, Bahrain, etc.) and re-applies for a new tourist visa
• Can be risky if border rules change or if you exceed the annual 120-day limit

If you're a resident of a GCC country and visiting the UAE, your visa rules may differ. In many cases, GCC residents cannot extend their entry permit beyond the original duration unless they re-enter with a new one. Always check with the UAE border authorities when entering.

In 2025, the UAE continues to allow special consideration for:

• Medical treatment: If you’re undergoing surgery or long-term treatment, submit hospital documentation to apply for an extension beyond the standard period.
• Family emergencies: In cases like death of a family member, immigration may grant a one-time discretionary extension.

These require in-person visits to GDRFA or ICP and supporting documents.

You can extend only once per visa issuance under the standard procedure. If you wish to stay longer:

• You’ll need to exit and re-enter the UAE with a new tourist visa.
• Be cautious not to exceed 120 days of tourist stay in a calendar year, regardless of re-entries.

Start early
Apply 5–7 days before the visa expiry date to allow processing time and avoid fines.

Avoid overstays
Even a single-day overstay incurs a fine. Always track your visa validity and apply for extensions ahead of time.

Use authorized channels
Avoid unofficial agents. Use government portals or licensed travel agencies.

Keep your documents ready
Scanned copies of your passport, visa, and photos will help speed up online applications.

Double-check rules by nationality
Visa-on-arrival rules and extensions vary by nationality. For example, UK citizens can stay 40 days after their 30-day VOA due to specific bilateral terms.

Conclusion

Extending a UAE tourist visa in 2025 is relatively straightforward, provided you understand the visa type you hold, the maximum permissible duration of stay, and the specific extension process applicable to your case. Whether you're extending online through ICP or GDRFA, or working through a travel agency, acting ahead of your visa’s expiration is key. With proper planning, updated documents, and awareness of the latest policies, you can enjoy a longer, hassle-free stay in the UAE while staying compliant with immigration rules.