Last updated: 05 December 2025
VISIT VISA COMPLIANCE
Stay & Overstay Rules
Clear guidance on visa validity, stay duration, extension timing, overstay fines, and absconding status — aligned with Dubai immigration record handling and national regulation.
Key warnings (read before you travel)
Avoid absconding risk and unnecessary penalties by extending early.
24-hour window
Not extended within 24 hours after expiry may move status to absconding.
AED 5,000 penalty
Absconding status removal can include AED 5,000 + daily fines.
Weekend/holiday delays
Extensions may not process on weekends/public holidays — apply 1 week early.
Visa Validity & Stay
How short-stay tourist/visit visas work once you enter the UAE.
- 30 or 60 daysShort-stay tourist/visit visas are commonly issued for 30 or 60 days, depending on your selected option.
- Stay starts on entryYour stay duration starts from the UAE entry date (not the issuance date).
- Use before expiryYour visa must be used (entry) before the visa expiry date shown in the system.
- Single or multiple entryDepending on the plan, your visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry.
Overstay & Absconding Policy
What happens when a visa expires and an extension isn’t processed in time.
- Critical 24-hour windowIf your visa is not extended within 24 hours after expiry, your status may change to absconding.
- Apply earlyWe recommend applying for extension at least 1 week before expiry to avoid weekend/holiday delays.
- Daily overstay finesOverstay fines apply daily if the visa is not extended before its expiry date.
- • AED 5,000 fine for absconding status removal
- • Daily overstay fines continue to add on top of AED 5,000
- • Total fines can increase each day until resolved
- • Extensions are not processed on weekends or public holidays
If status changes to absconding, penalties can include
Restrictions & Rules
Important limitations you must follow while on a short-stay visa.
- No work or businessShort-stay visas do not permit employment or business activities in the UAE.
- Children need separate visaChildren must have a separate passport and visa — not on a parent passport.
Travel, Extension & Exit Advisory
Best practices to avoid fines, delays, and last-minute complications.
Recommended actions before expiry
- • Extend your visa before expiry to avoid absconding status and penalties.
- • Apply for extension at least 1 week before visa expiry.
- • If not extending, exit the UAE before the visa expiry date.
- • Avoid delays around public holidays (e.g., Eid) due to slower processing.
- • Extension processing may pause during weekends, public holidays, and government office closures.
Final decisions at airport remain with immigration officers
Final exit or re-entry decisions at UAE airports are handled by immigration officers and remain subject to officer approval at the point of travel and your valid visa status in the system.