Visitors to the United Arab Emirates can now extend their stay without leaving the country after the government switched all short-term visit-visa renewals to a new digital platform on 3 December 2025.
Under the change, tourists, business travellers and family visitors with 30- or 60-day visas can file for a further 30-day extension through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smartphone app or website. Applicants upload a passport copy, photo and proof of medical insurance, pay the Dh750 fee, and receive an e-visa within 24 hours, according to ICP call-centre staff.
![UAE launches fully-online visit-visa extension service, ending ‘visa-run’ era]()
Crucially, the system removes the need for the so-called “visa run” in which holders exited the UAE—often via the Oman land border or a same-day flight to Muscat or Bahrain—before re-entering on a fresh visa. Immigration officials said the practice clogged checkpoints, created compliance risks and added costs for travellers and airlines.
The extension counts from the current visa’s expiry date; overstaying is still fined at Dh50 per day. Authorities reminded visitors to apply at least three days before expiry to avoid penalties, and to double-check that their passport remains valid for six months beyond the new exit date.
For multinational employers, the paper-free process eliminates downtime for consultants on short projects and reduces administrative overhead for HR teams coordinating talent rotations. Tourism operators welcomed the move, saying it will encourage winter visitors and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) delegates to lengthen their stays, boosting hotel occupancy and domestic spending.
Under the change, tourists, business travellers and family visitors with 30- or 60-day visas can file for a further 30-day extension through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smartphone app or website. Applicants upload a passport copy, photo and proof of medical insurance, pay the Dh750 fee, and receive an e-visa within 24 hours, according to ICP call-centre staff.
Crucially, the system removes the need for the so-called “visa run” in which holders exited the UAE—often via the Oman land border or a same-day flight to Muscat or Bahrain—before re-entering on a fresh visa. Immigration officials said the practice clogged checkpoints, created compliance risks and added costs for travellers and airlines.
The extension counts from the current visa’s expiry date; overstaying is still fined at Dh50 per day. Authorities reminded visitors to apply at least three days before expiry to avoid penalties, and to double-check that their passport remains valid for six months beyond the new exit date.
For multinational employers, the paper-free process eliminates downtime for consultants on short projects and reduces administrative overhead for HR teams coordinating talent rotations. Tourism operators welcomed the move, saying it will encourage winter visitors and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) delegates to lengthen their stays, boosting hotel occupancy and domestic spending.
