overstaying tourist visa in uae

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UAE visa overstay fine: 5 ways to check and pay for your overstay fine

Living in uae.

Dh50 fine per day on visit, tourist or residence visa; here's how to avoid overstaying

Dubai: Whether you are in the UAE on a tourist, visit or residence visa, it is important to always remember the date on which you visa expires. This is because if you overstay your visa, you would be liable to pay fines as determined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Here is how you can find out when your visa expires, and how to check any overstay fines you may have incurred.

When will my visa expire?

Visit or tourist visa.

1. On your visa copy: When you are issued a visit visa or a tourist visa, you typically receive an electronic copy, either on your registered email address, if you apply for it directly through ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA – Dubai) or from the travel agent, if you have applied through an agency.

The last date of the visa’s validity is clearly mentioned on this visa copy as ‘expiry date’, right after the visa number – which is also referred to as the entry permit number - and the date and place of issue.

2. Online: You can also visit the websites of ICP or GDRFA to check the visa validity. Visit either of the following websites:

a. ICP: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

b. GDRFA – Dubai: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspx

You will then be asked to provide your passport number, visa number and date of birth. Once you enter the details, the system will show you details of your visa, along with the ‘Last Date of leaving the country’.

Residence visa

1. Visa sticker - As a residence visa holder, you can check the date your visa is about to expire by either looking at your residence visa – if you recently renewed your visa, or applied for one, but you may not have a visa stamp on your passport. However, you can still check the digital version of your visa, by following these steps .

• Five reasons why you should download the UAE Pass app

2. Emirates ID - Your Emirates ID would also be a good reference point, to check the expiry date, as the visa and Emirates ID application procedures have been unified . On your Emirates ID, look at the date of expiry. This would be the same date that your visa would also expire.

3. Online: You can also visit the ICP website, to check the date of expiry: https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

You will then be asked to provide your passport number or Emirates ID number and date of birth. Once you enter the details, the system will show you details of your visa, along with the ‘File expiry date’.

You can also avoid getting visa, Emirates ID fines by enabling notifications on your phone. To know more, click here.

Overstay fines – Dh50 per day

The ICP has standardised the overstaying fines in the UAE. According to the new rules, visit, tourist and residence visa overstaying fees have been standardised at Dh50 per day.

How to pay overstay fines

1. Online: You can pay the overstay fines through the following websites: a. ICP: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/fines/407/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false b. GDRFA: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/fines-inquiry-service Simply enter the details of your visa, after which the system will show you the fines that you need to pay. You can pay the fines by using a credit or debit card. 2. Typing centre: You can also visit a typing centre registered with ICP , if you are planning to apply for a new visa or leave the country by paying the overstay fines. You can find the complete list of authorised typing offices in the UAE, through this website: https://icp.gov.ae/en/typing-offices/ 3. Amer centre: Amer centres processes immigration applications on behalf of Dubai's GDRFA. You can find the list of Amer Centres located in Dubai, through this website: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/customer-happiness-centers# 4. ICP Customer happiness centre

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Home / Overstay fine in UAE

Overstay fine in UAE - 2024 detailed guide

Updated june 14 th , 2023.

This advisory guide covers all the necessary information about overstay fine in UAE to help those who overstaying in tourist visa or cancelled residence visa during 2023.

Table Of Contents

• 2. Over staying fine for visitors
• 3. Overstaying fine for residents
• 4. Where to pay the fine
• 5. How to avoid paying fines
• 6. Fines during Corona-virus
• 7. Modifying visa status
• 8. Is it criminal?
• 9. Overstaying affect my re-entry?

What are overstay fines in UAE & how much is it?

Any visitor overstaying on a pre-paid or on-arrival UAE visit visa will be charged a fine of 50 AED. The overstaying penalty in the UAE has been standardized by the UAE ICP from October 14, 2022. The new regulations set the daily charge for overstaying a visit, tourist, or residency visa at AED 50. Over stayers on resident visas will now be charged AED 50 per day rather than the previous AED 25.

Over staying fine for visitors – Explained

• A. 30 days on arrival
• B. 90 days on arrival
• C. Prepaid visa holders
• D. Indian passport holders with USA Visa, EU Residency visa & UK Residency visa
• E. Mexican passport 180 days on arrival
• F. Brazil 90 days on arrival

Important Note

Individuals staying in UAE with a 30 days on arrival visa are the only ones who having a grace period of 10 days.While prepaid visa holders and others having zero days grace period. If you overstay after your grace period is over or visa validity period over, you will have to pay a fine of 50 AED for the first day of overstaying and 50 AED per day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED. If you extend your stay via immigration or a tourism company you will be charged 50 AED per day as overstaying fine.

A 30 days on arrival

If you are a passport holder of the countries mentioned below then you don't require a prepaid visa as you will be eligible for a 30 day visa that will be stamped on arrival at the UAE port of entry (airport, land border or seaport). All you have to do is disembark your flight at Dubai International Airport and head to immigration where your 30 day on arrival visa will be stamped on your passport free of charge.

B 90 days on arrival

If you hold a passport from any of the countries or territories mentioned below, your passport will be stamped with a 90 day multiple entry visa upon arrival at any of UAE's ports of entry. This multiple entry visit visa is valid for a total of 6 months from the date of issue and permits the holder for a stay totaling to 90 days within that time span.

Citizens from European countries mentioned in the above list don't get a grace period. If the individual overstays beyond grace period he will be charged a fine of 50 AED for the first day of overstaying and 50 AED per day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED. If you have extended your stay by opting for an inside country visa without exit you will be charged 50 AED per day of overstaying. And above nationals are eligible for a pre-paid visa extension after the 90-day visa on arrival has been used as it’s valid for 6 months.

C Prepaid visa holders

If you hold a passport from Asian, African or other developing countries in the world you need to apply for a entry visa before entering UAE. You can apply for a single entry UAE visit visa or a multiple entry UAE visit visa via an airline or local tour companies.

All prepaid visa holders (single entry or multiple entry - 30 days, 60 days and 90 days) have zero grace period. Overstaying beyond this grace period will incur a fine of 50 AED for the first day of overstaying and 50 AED per day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED. If you take a visa extension via your current sponsor or a new tour company you will be fined 50 AED per day of overstaying.

D Indian passport holders with USA Visa or USA Green card holder, EU Residency visa & UK Residency visa

Indian passport holders holding a USA green card or having USA visa, EU residency visa or UK residency visa are eligible for a UAE visa on arrival that is valid for 14 days. It is extendable once for a period of 14 days. The fee for this on-arrival permit is 100 AED and renewal fee is 250 AED and 20 AED service charge.

On the first entry you are eligible for a 10 day grace period after your 14 day stay is completed. You can extend one more time after which you can't extend anymore you have to exit UAE. Another option is to contact a tourism company for a visa change without exit. If the individual overstays beyond the grave period he will be fined 50 AED for the first day and 50 AED per day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED.

E Mexican passport 180 days on arrival

If you are a Mexican passport holder you are eligible for a 180 day multiple entry visit visa that is valid for a total of 6 months from the date of issue. This allows you to stay for a total of 180 days in the UAE.

No 10 day grace period is given for Mexican citizens who overstay. Overstay fines are 50 AED for the first day and 50 AED for each day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED. If an inside country visa without exit is used to extend the stay then 50 AED will be charged per day of overstaying.

F Brazil passport 90 days on arrival

If you are a Brazil passport holder you get free 90 days on arrival visa that is valid for 365 days where as 90 total days can be used with in an year

No 10 days grace period given for Brazil nationals & Overstay fines are 50 AED for the first day and 50 AED for each day from the second day onwards. Additionally, at the time of exiting UAE you will have to pay for a exit permit of 250-350 AED.

Overstaying fine for residents – Explained

If you are a UAE resident after your residence visa gets expired, you have a 30 day grace period to change your status, apply for a new residence visa or exit the country. There won't be any fines charged during the grace period. If the individual overstays after the grace period, a fine of 50 AED will be charged for the first day and 50 AED for every day from the second day onwards. Additionally, 50 AED will be charged per day after six months of overstaying and 50 AED per day after one year of overstaying. If your new employer is taking a long time to process your residence visa you can apply for a tourist visa with or without exit and get a status change. For more details check our UAE tourist visa extension option for a better idea.

Where to pay the fine

You can settle your overstaying fines at any of the entry ports (airport, land border, sea ports), immigration offices, Amer offices and typing centres. If you are opting for an extension, the tourism company will make the payment for you.

Most UAE residents and visitors are settling their overstaying fines while exiting UAE through the airports, Ports and land borders in any of the 7 Emirates. Every point of entry is equipped with well-trained immigration officers and systemized processes to collect the overstaying fines and help make your exit a hassle-free process.

If you feel like settling any overstaying dues before you leave to make the exit process less time consuming, feel free to make the payments in any of the local immigration offices, Amer offices or typing centres.

30 day or 90 day on arrival visa holders, prepaid visa holders or Mexicans are eligible to extend their stay via a local tourism firm. While extending their stay, they can settle any overstaying fines of the previous visa.After reforms, also visit visa holders who are extending their stay need to make a payment of 50 AED per day of overstay and residence visa holders need to pay 50 AED per day and additional 50-100 AED will be service charge.

How to avoid paying fines

Make sure to adhere to these tips and you won't have to pay any overstaying fines.

• 1. Plan your return trip beforehand. This trick will save you lots of money as you won’t need to pay any overstay fines. Use Visa days calculator to count your days of stay accurately.
• 2. Make use of the Days Calculator Days Between Two Dates and tick the ‘Include end date in calculation’ box. 1 day will be added as UAE immigration counts your date of entry into the country too
• 3. Use the UAE Immigration’s file validity checking systems to confirm your last day of stay after you have entered the country.
• 4. Request your visa provider to send you screenshots from the immigration system to confirm your last day of stay in UAE.
• 5. Get to know your visa type and read the Type of visas in UAE for a better understanding of grace periods and their availability.
• 6. Avoid any travels on the last day of your grace period as delays in flights can postpone your stay resulting in fines being charged. Always travel a minimum of 2 days before your last day of grace period.

Fines During Corona-virus

Any UAE visit visa holders waiting for an announcement for a stay extension for the individuals unable to leave UAE due to airport closures and flight cancellations there won't be any overstaying fines charged. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship had made a statement on March 23, 2020 that such individuals will be able to extend their stay in the country until situations improve. Source : Khaleej Time

Modifying visa status – Status change

Under the Ministerial Resolution No. 377 of 2014 , visa holders of all types can modify the status of their entry while staying in the country if they wish to get a residency visa. A payment of 550 to 650 AED and compliance to certain requirements and conditions have to be met for successfully modifying visa status into residency visa. However, the applicant must ensure to perform this step before his current visa expires to avoid any fines being charged.

Is it criminal?

In UK, overstaying without a valid reason is a criminal offence under section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971 . In UAE, there is no law that says overstaying a visitor's visa or expired residence visa is a criminal offence. Most of the visit visa holders and cancelled residence visa holders overstay due to reasons like flight cancellations (Now due to corona), delays in processing new visa or employment visa. In most cases the average period of overstaying is between 5 to 15 days. In certain cases, Asian visitors have been scammed into believing that their visit visa is an employment visa resulting in them overstaying for many months. In such an instance, it is regarded as a criminal offence and the individual will be deported upon getting caught. As UAE practices many humanitarian acts, once every one or two years, The UAE visa amnesty requests all individuals who are overstaying to exit the country and waive off their overstaying fines.

Source : UAE visa amnesty: Millions in fines waived off, 88% response rate UAE authorities waive Dh500k in fines to help worker return home 31-year fine worth Dh1.08 million waived for illegal UAE resident

Overstaying affect my re-entry?

We have heard news that overstaying for more than 1 to 2 months could affect any prospective employment opportunities. There are no laws confirmed about how overstaying will affect a visitor’s or resident’s next re-entry. In our experience some individuals who had overstayed and re applied for a new visa were approved while some were rejected. This decision is solely reliant on the Immigration departments’ security team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i reduce any overstay fines in dubai.

Some applicants are excused due to medical reasons and global issues. Contact the nearest Amer service center or Immigration and apply for a fine reduction by filling in the application.

Can I settle the overstaying fines at immigration and then exit UAE?

Yes, you can do this through any of the 7 emirates’ airports or land borders.

Is there a UAE visa overstay fine calculator?

Yes, you can check Arabiers Visa days calculator which is very similar to the overstay fine calculator.

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How to Check and Pay Overstay Fine in UAE

Hisham -September 3, 2023

Wondering how to check your UAE overstay visa fine online? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident in the UAE, it’s essential to stay compliant with visa regulations and stay informed about your visa’s expiration date to avoid potential penalties.

The UAE immigration authorities provide grace periods for visa holders, allowing them time to check UAE visa status before fines are imposed. If you hold a residence visa in Dubai, you’ll have a 30-day grace period following the visa’s expiry date to either renew your status or exit the country. For tourists and visiting visa holders, there’s no period after the visa expires.

For Visit or Tourist Visa

Check Your Visa Copy: Locate the “expiry date” on the electronic visa copy received via email or from your travel agent, usually found right after the visa number.

Online: Visit the ICP or GDRFA websites and input your passport number, visa number, and birthdate to access your visa details, including the last date for departure.

For Residence Visa

Inspect Your Visa Sticker: If you’ve recently renewed or applied for a residence visa, examine the sticker. If not, follow these steps to access the digital version of your visa.

Emirates ID: Verify your Emirates ID’s expiry date, which coincides with your visa’s expiry date.

Online: Visit the ICP website, where you can enter your passport number or Emirates ID number, along with your birthdate, to view your visa details and expiry date.

Regardless of the Emirate that issued your visa, you can use the websites of these two immigration authorities for visa fine check :

• GDRFA Website: www.gdrfa.gov.ae (for visas issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai).
• ICP Website: www.icp.gov.ae (for visas issued in all other emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah ).

Staying informed about your visa status and any potential fines is essential for a hassle-free experience in the UAE.

How to check visa expiry date and fines online?

To check your visa expiry date and check for any ICP visa fines ,  (Identity and Citizenship Portal) Website, follow these simple steps:

Start by visiting the ICP Website by clicking on the following link: beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae .

Once you’re on the website, follow these sub-steps:

• Click on “Fines.”
• Select “FINES – PAY FINES – VIOLATIONS OF ENTRY PERMISSIONS OR RESIDENCES – PAY NEW FINE.”
• Click on “Start Service.”

Now, you’ll need to provide the required details based on your visa status:

If you are a UAE Resident:

• Click on ‘File Number.’
• Enter your file number, which can be found on the UAE residence visa page of your passport.
• Input your date of birth.
• After filling out this information, make sure to tick the captcha box.
• Click on the blue tab labeled ‘Search.’

The system will display any fines that have been imposed on the visa.

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If you are a Visitor:

• Click on ‘Citizens of Certain Countries.’
• Enter the following details:

○     Your passport number.

○     Passport type (e.g., diplomatic, UN, or ordinary passport).

○     Date of Birth.

○     Current nationality.

Check the captcha box for verification purposes and then click on ‘Search.’ The system will then present any fines associated with the visa.

By following these steps on the ICP Website, you can easily find out your visa’s expiry date and check for any fines, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration regulations.

How to check visa expiry date and check for fines through the GDRFA Website?

To find out your visa expiry date and check for any fines through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) Website, here are the steps to follow:

• Start by clicking on the following link: GDRFA Fines Inquiry Service .
• On the GDRFA Fines check Service page, you will see a dropdown menu. Choose the appropriate option based on your visa type:
• Resident : Select this option if you hold a residence visa.
• Permit : Choose this option if you have a visit or tourist visa.

After selecting the appropriate option, you will need to provide the following details:

• Place of Issue : Select the Emirate that issued your visa.
• File Number : Enter your file number, which can usually be found on your UAE visa.
• Date of Birth : Input your date of birth.
• Gender : Select your gender.
• To verify that you’re not a bot, you’ll be presented with a simple math equation as a captcha verification process. Solve the equation accordingly.
• Once you’ve filled in all the required information and completed the captcha, click on the red ‘Submit’ button.

The system will then display any fines associated with your visa. If you do not have any fines, you will receive a green pop-up message on the GDRFA website confirming that there are no fines associated with your file number.

By following these steps on the GDRFA website, you can easily check your visa expiry date and determine if there are any fines on your visa issued in Dubai.

How Do You Pay Your Visa Fine Online?

Paying your visa fine online is a convenient process facilitated by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you easily pay your visa fine online:

Payment of Overstay Visa Fine through Online

Use the ICP or GDRFA websites to pay your fines. Enter your visa details, and the system will display the fines. You can make the payment using a credit or debit card.

Payment of Overstay Visa Fine through the ICP website

Visit the ICP Website by clicking on this link: beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae and click on “Public Services.”

• Click on “Fines” > “FINES – PAY FINES – VIOLATIONS OF ENTRY PERMISSIONS OR RESIDENCES – PAY NEW FINE.”

Fill in the required details based on your visa status:

• Type in your file number (found on the UAE residence visa page of your passport).
• Enter your date of birth.
• After filling out the information, tick the captcha box and click on the blue tab labeled ‘Search.’ The system will display any fines on your visa.

Select your relationship with the sponsor from the drop-down menu and click “Next.” You can also select “none.” Click “Next” to proceed; you will be asked to provide your mobile number for OTP verification. Provide your payment details and submit the request.

You will receive a reference number with Fees Description Total with VAT.

Clearing Dues or Fines through Virtual Assistance

You can also clear your dues or fines through the Virtual Assistance feature:

• Visit the ICA website www.icp.gov.ae .
• Introduce yourself by answering how you would like to be addressed during the conversation on the virtual assistant (appearing on the bottom right of the screen).
• The virtual assistant will provide a list of services. Select “Apply for Services.”
• Choose “Pay Fine” or type the service number.
• Enter your Unified Number.
• Provide your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
• If you have any visa-related violations, your file will be shown with violation details.
• You will be provided with a link to pay the fine. Click the payment link to submit the application.
• The virtual assistant will redirect you to the service submission screen. Review the information and click “Next.”
• The system will show you the exact amount due. Click “Pay” to complete the process and obtain the request service.
• You will receive a transaction number and a notification from ICA confirming the successful payment.

By following these steps, you can easily pay your visa fine online and clear any dues or fines associated with your visa.

Payment of Overstay Visa Fine through the GDRFA website

To pay your overstay visa fine in UAE through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Go to the GDRFA website.

Step 2: Choose your file type from the drop-down menu based on your visa type:

• “Resident” for those with residence visas.
• “Permit” for visitors or tourists on visas.

Step 3: Provide the information they request, which typically includes your visa details.

Step 4: Solve a basic math equation to verify that you’re not a robot, as a captcha verification process.

Step 6: Click the ‘Submit’ button. After this step, you’ll be able to view the details of your overstaying fine.

Input your visa details, and the system will display the fines you’re required to settle. You can make the payment using a credit or debit card through the GDRFA website.

Additional Payment Methods for Overstay Visa Fines

Payment of overstay visa fine through the typing centre:.

You can visit an authorized typing centre listed on the ICP website to pay fines when applying for a new visa or leaving the country. ICP Typing Centres

Payment of Overstay Visa Fine through the Amer Centre:

Amer Centers assist with immigration applications. You can find a list of these centers on the GDRFA website. GDRFA Amer Centers

Payment of Overstay Visa Fine through the ICP Customer Happiness Centre:

ICP (Integrated Customer Happiness Centers) locations are accessible to visitors for various services, including paying visa fines.

These alternative payment methods can be helpful if you prefer to pay your overstay visa fine in person or through a different channel.

Is there a grace period for overstaying a tourist visa in the UAE?

No, there is no grace period for overstaying a tourist visa in the UAE. The stay duration is based on the type of visa (30 days or 60 days) from the date of entry.

Can you reduce your overstay fine in the UAE?

Overstay fines can’t be waived, but you can apply for a reduction at the Immigration Center (Amer Center). You’ll need to submit an application explaining your circumstances along with supporting documents.

How can you exit the UAE without paying overstay fines?

If your valid residence visa has expired, you’re generally granted a 30-day grace period to leave the UAE without any overstay penalties. Make sure to exit within this period or renew your visa to avoid fines.

Can you check you overstay fine using your passport number?

Yes, you can check you overstay fine in the UAE by visiting the ICP Smart Services portal. Enter your passport number, passport expiry date, or Emirates ID, depending on your visa type.

What happens if you overstay your UAE visa?

If you overstay your UAE visa, you’ll be subject to fines based on the number of days you exceed your visa duration. These fines are payable when you exit the UAE or through the ICP website.

Can you extend your visa to avoid overstay fines?

Yes, you can extend your visa to avoid overstay fines. It’s recommended to renew or extend your visa before it expires to maintain legal status in the UAE.

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What Happens If I Overstay My Tourist or Resident Visa in the UAE?

An interview-format article covering the topic of overstaying your tourist or resident visa in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. Ludmila discusses the aspects of overstaying, like fines, grace periods, exemptions...etc.

Tim Elliot : Hello and welcome to another edition of Lawgical, the weekly series from the Dubai-based law firm, HPL Yamalova & Plewka, still the Gulf Region's first and still the only legal podcast. I'm Tim Elliot. I’m here with the firm’s Managing Partner, Ludmila Yamalova, 18 floors up in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Ludmila, always good to see you.

Ludmila Yamalova : Hello Tim and great to see you, as always.

Tim Elliot : Now this time on Lawgical we’re talking about visas. The UAE is a pretty welcoming place, but what if you overstay your welcome, your visa, whether you’re a tourist or an expatriate resident?

Now, Ludmilla, the UAE offers visa on arrival for an increasingly expanding list of nations. Plenty of nationalities can now just turn up and get a stamped visa at the airport as they arrive.

Now, we’ll come to expat residents in a few minutes, but let’s start with tourists. What happens if you’re having such a great time here in the sun that you overstay your visa? It’s a situation where pretty simple, you’re fined, aren’t you?

Ludmila Yamalova : Indeed. Unlike the popular belief that somehow if you overstay your visa will lead to some sort of imprisonment, and we have heard a lot of concerns like that; that is not the case. In fact, it really is, as you said, just a matter of a fine. Now the fines can be quite high and depending on the number of days of overstaying, the amount can be quite significant at the end.

With regard to tourist visas, there are different types of overstaying fines. As you said, an increasing number of countries can enter the UAE on a visa on arrival for the most part on arrival, and those visas on arrival are 30 days. There used to be a time when depending on the nationality the visa upon arrival, for example, was either 90 days or 60 days, but now more or less the rule is uniform for all nationalities, and that is 30 days.

Then the 30 days also has a grace period of 10 days. If you leave at 35 days, you will not be fined anything extra. But anything after that, the overstaying fines are as follows: For the first day of overstaying it’s AED 200 which is about $60 dollars per day. Then after that, it’s AED 100 dirhams for each consecutive day, plus there is AED 100 of a service fee or a processing fee if you will.

Imagine if you stayed here for 50 days, it can be a fairly significant amount at the end when you do exit. Just so everyone understands, if you are exiting, let’s say through the airport, and you have overstaying fines, you will not be allowed to leave the country until you’ve settled that amount. You can settle the amount at the airport, so it’s not that you need to go back and pay at a specific immigration centre.  You can pay at the airport, but you will not be able to leave the airport until you’ve paid those fees, so just be prepared.

Those are the fees when you overstay the visa. That being said, there is a way of extending the 30-day visa and for all nationalities, for all visas on arrival, there is a way to extend the visa for an additional 30 days twice. Therefore, ultimately you can stay here for up to 90 days. There are fees to pay for extending the visa but it’s extremely important to understand that you must apply for an extension of the visa prior to its expiration.

Let’s say you have a first 30-day visa on arrival and now on day 35 you want to go and avail yourself of the benefit of extending it for an additional 30 days. At that point, it is too late. In order for you to apply for that additional 30-day extension, you need to do it before the expiration of the first 30 days. If you are still within your 30-day period and now you want to extend the visa, then to do so will cost AED 600 for the extension, so for an additional 30 days you get the AED-600 fee for that, and then after that, you can extend for an additional 30 days for another AED 600.

All in all, you get 60 extra days for AED 1,200. That’s for overstaying and extending tourist visas. Slightly different rules apply for residence visas or for visas of those who currently hold UAE residency and are now either switching jobs or their visas have expired.

Tim Elliot : Let’s talk about the longer-term visitors, people like you and I, expatriate UAE residents who are allowed to live here. The visa is stamped for two or perhaps three years in the passport. In most cases, residence visas are contingent on your employment in the Emirates or being sponsored by a spouse. For example, my first expat visa question, if you like, is what happens to a residency visa once your employment is terminated?

Ludmila Yamalova : That’s a great question, and there is much confusion that surrounds that particular scenario. There is a belief amongst many who have just, for example, received that notice of termination or whose jobs for one reason or another have come to an end, be it by termination or resignation, they believe that the termination amounts as some sort of automatic termination of their visa as well.

But employment and immigration are two separate legal concepts, and therefore, even though residency visas are linked to employment for the most part, from the procedural standpoint, they fall under different laws and different governmental authorities. Just because your employment has come to an end does not mean your visa comes to an end at that point in time.

This is for a number of reasons. If your employment comes to an end, most of the time there is a notice period, and it can be anywhere from one month to six months. Perhaps less likely is six months these days, but certainly, three months is still quite common. Even though you are no longer working, but you are still here, you are, technically speaking, still under an employment visa because your employment relationship has not ended until the notice period has come to an end.

Therefore, even though you’re not going into the office, your employment relationship is still ongoing for let’s say the term of the notice period. If it’s one month, it’s for one month. If it’s three months, it’s for three months. Therefore, all that time your visa remains active. Now let’s say your notice period has ended. Even then, that does not mean that your visa ends.

Ultimately, your visa ends when it expires on its own. So if you have a three-year visa and now you’re in your last month, the visa can expire on its own just by virtue of its term. But the other way for the visa to start basically expiring is when the visa is being cancelled. For example, you have served your notice period and now your employment has officially ended.

That does not necessarily mean that the clock has started ticking or the visa is cancelled. In order for your visa to be cancelled, in fact, you have to, for the most part, hand your passport to your company. Before, you could even hand it to the immigration authorities directly. But now in most cases, you have to hand it over to the company and the company will send it to the immigration authority and will cancel your visa that way. Only then your visa is considered formally cancelled.

In many cases, especially if there is, for example, a court case, some sort of a dispute between the company and the employee, the time between when your employment ends and the time your visa finally is cancelled can be quite significant. It can be years, and we have seen many of those cases. For example, someone is employed and has a three-year visa and the employment relationship is terminated after the first year of employment. Then there is a dispute that ends up being in court, and so during that whole period of time, the employee actually will remain to be on the company’s sponsorship, i.e. their visa, unless parties want otherwise.

You can see the employment has ended long ago, but the immigration relationship continues on throughout the term of the visa, i.e., in this particular example is an additional two years. It’s important to clarify that particular point because there is a lot of confusion about employment and immigration as being one, but as I’ve just shown by way of that example, that’s not the case.

Now, finally, you have handed over your passport to the employee and your visa is now cancelled. Remember, the visa we are now talking about here is a residence visa. It’s not a tourist visa. That’s why different rules apply. Once your visa has been cancelled, again, it’s not to say that right away you have to exit the country. You have a 30-day grace period to stay in the country, and that basically applies to all nationalities. There is no need to be concerned that the minute you receive your passport back you must exit the country. You do have that 30-day grace period with no fines.

Now, if you overstay those first 30 days, then you will be fined for AED 125 for the first day. That is the fine, so AED 125 as compared to the AED 200 for tourists, it is significantly less, almost half.  Then after that, it’s 25 dirhams for every day of overstaying. Again, compared to the tourist visas, that’s AED 100, so it’s four times less. In other words, the overstaying fines for residents are much less than those for tourists.

Tim Elliot : So the grace period is 30 days. Is there a method through which you could extend that grace period? Because if you’ve been terminated in an employment situation, you may have a family dependent on you. You may want to look for another position and stay in the Emirates.

Ludmila Yamalova : Well, other than by paying overstaying fees, no. In fact, if you had a residency visa, then after, as I said before, for overstaying you pay AED 125 for the first day of overstaying, then it’s AED 25 for each day of overstaying. After six months it’s AED 50  for every day of overstaying. We are talking about after six months. After one year, it’s AED 100 for every day of overstaying. These are officially the available fines that are listed on the UAE government immigration website which, to answer your question, in a way, there is a way for residents to continue to extend their visas here by virtue of just paying fines.

Since there are fines that clearly spell out overstaying for more than six months and then even a year, enough cases must exist where the government has clearly laid out additional fines for longer periods of overstaying visas, but other than that, it is just the overstaying of fines, and perhaps, as I mentioned earlier, if you have an employment dispute, then your visa continues on until it expires or until the dispute has been resolved.

Tim Elliot : Okay. There is the classic, what’s referred to the Emirates as the visa run situation. Some nationalities can exit the country and re-enter via, say the Sultanate of Oman. That’s a possibility. You would then re-enter the country on a visit visa for 30 days.

Ludmila Yamalova : Correct. What happens then is if you are a resident, what you were referring to is a visa run for someone, for example, who used to live here as a resident and that visa has come to an end, the 30-day grace period, and then you exit the country and come back. I guess one common way of doing this for a lot of the residents here is going to Oman since it’s so close by, and Oman is a fairly welcoming country for these kinds of purposes.

Then you re-enter the country almost the same day. But then when you re-enter the country, you’re now on a tourist visa. You’re no longer on an expired residence visa.  You’re now on a tourist visa. Your residence status effectively changes, and then it’s the 30-day period that applies which you can extend for an additional 60 days.

Tim Elliot : We’re waiting for details actually, and this is still not stipulated by the Omani authorities, but I think they’re looking to move to the Oman e-visa situation which is an online application before you get to the border. But it is still possible I believe to pay in cash to enter Oman and then come back into the UAE right now?

The thing is with matters like this, Ludmila, in a country where there are so many expatriates and so many different countries, that the advice really, I guess if you want to keep up with the necessary visa procedures is to keep checking with the naturalization and immigration website. That’s kind of the one-stop-shop.

Ludmila Yamalova : For sure. Plenty of information is available. Those websites and the resources are updated quite regularly. They are very detailed in terms of the types of visas and the types of fines and the types of processes that exist. One more thing to add is that if you do want to extend your visas, for example, you do so before the expiration of your original visa. To do so, you go to specialized immigration centers which exist all over the UAE depending on which emirate you’re in and you do it there. It’s fairly simple and straightforward to do so.

(1) You have the information available on the website, and (2) you have these resident immigration centers all over the country where you can actually go to fairly easily and then apply for your visa to be extended.

As you said, the UAE is a very welcoming country, and the processes that exist for helping people extend their immigration status here are becoming more and more – I don’t want to say relaxed – but easier to extend and more and more countries get the benefit of the same treatment than perhaps existed years ago. These rules that we’ve just discussed right now did not apply previously to as many nationalities as they do now.

Tim Elliot : That’s a point actually to make to reiterate, isn’t it, that the UAE is a dynamic place. Things change here, and things can change here relatively quickly, and that applies to immigration and nationalization arrangements as well. You need to keep ahead of that.

Ludmila Yamalova :  You do, and you also need to keep staying informed about any new changes because the changes do happen. Often, in most cases when they do happen, they are announced so there is enough public awareness to at least know that you need to look and make sure that you have the latest information.

But even without that, if you do ever have any concerns about either tourist visas or extending your residency visa, do always make it a point to look at the official websites because things do change, and when they do change, at least they definitely will be reflected on the website.

Equally so, you can actually call the immigration authority. There are call centers, and they’re quite helpful and they will inform, so that’s yet another resource that definitely people need to avail themselves of because the information is there and it does change, so it’s good to be informed.

Tim Elliot : Ludmila Yamalova is the Managing Partner of the Dubai-based law firm, Yamalova & Plewka.  As ever, appreciate your expertise.

Ludmila Yamalova : Thank you.

Tim Elliot : That’s another edition of Lawgical. If you’d like a UAE specific legal question answered, we can try to answer it in a future episode.

This article is a transcription of the  Lawgical with LYLAW podcast episode  published on 11 February 2020.

Written by:

Ludmila Yamalova  | HPL Yamalova & Plewka DMCC

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كيف تسأل المحامي؟

Laws & Regulations (3)

Federal Law No. (8) of 1980 Concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations

Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations

Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations

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Q: I have unpaid Etisalat bills for 500 AED and a cash advance in DIB, and my visa is already cancelled. Is there any possibility to exit the UAE without paying for both and for overstay?

Q: I want to know, how many days will I stay in the UAE after the cancellation of my employment visa?

Q: I need some help. I was working in a salon since January 2016 (Sharjah visa and a limited contract). I've been working there for 1 year and 10 months. This October 9, 2017, my employer cancelled me without giving my all dues: gratuity, annual leave and even my salary for this month. In May of this year my passport expired, I talked to my employer since April that I want to renew my passport but she said 'No'. On October 19, I filed a case against my employer for retrieving my passport and getting my salary. Last Wednesday we meet in Labour Department and my employer said she will give the passport on November 8, which is the same date when my visa expired. I'm just scared of what will happen if I overstay here.

Q: Q. Visa Cancelled, the grace period is about to finish while there is a pending case in the court against my employer. Good evening. I have cancelled my visa, and the grace period is about to end in a week, while I have a pending case in the court against my employer. Can I get permission for overstay to avoid the fine and blacklisting? Can I engage the services of a law firm if I cannot do it by myself? Politely requesting to assist me, please. I am in a big trouble. Regards, Mike

Q: Sir, my visa was cancelled and 30 days already finished. Do I have a fine for each day of overstay?

Q: Would there be a possibility for a tourist visa holder who overstayed for 3 months to waive his penalty or at least be lessened?

Q: I have been on a visit visa. I found a job with a company. My visa expired. The company is telling me to lie to immigration that they just hired me. They told me that I should cry so immigration has mercy and forgive the overstay. The manager said that I should go to the airport and cry there. I am Ugandan. Please advise me!

Q: Dear Madam, My visa has already expired on 10th Feb and I asked my employer to hold my visa cancellation till 29th Feb. They agreed. So I want to know what will be my grace period to stay in the UAE? Is it till the 10th of March or will I get a grace period of 30 days after visa cancellation from the employer, which is 28th March? Kindly clarify! Thank you!

أعتقد أن هناك تشابهاً بين الطب والمحاماة، ومثلما هناك طريقة لطرح السؤال على الطبيب حتى تحصل منه على أكثر الإجابات دقة، وصحة، مما يساعدك في نهاية الأمر على تلقي التشخيص الصحيح، وبالتالي العلاج الصحيح، فهناك طريقة لسؤال المحامي.

The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.

This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).

Other blog posts by Ludmila Yamalova

Laws on rape in the uae.

An interview-format article covering the topic of rape in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

Amendments to the UAE Company Law

An interview-format article covering the topic of the amendments to the company law in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

Punishments for Juveniles in the UAE

An interview-format article covering the topic of juvenile punishments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

Influencer Licensing & VAT in the UAE

An interview-format article covering the topic of influencer licensing and VAT in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

Harassment Law in the UAE

An interview-format article covering the topic of harassment in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

This publication is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to provide comprehensive full legal or other advice.

Legal Advice Middle East and the contributors accept no responsibility for losses that may arise from reliance upon information contained in this publication. This publication is intended to give an indication of legal issues upon which you may need advice.

Full legal advice should be taken in due course from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations.

Grace period

A period immediately after the deadline for the performance of an obligation during which a late fee or penalty, or other action would have been taken as a result of failing to meet the deadline, is waived provided that the obligation is satisfied during the grace period. Grace periods can range from a couple of minutes to a number of days or longer, depending on the context, and can apply in various situations, such as complying with a legal obligation by a specified deadline.

A demonstration of the willingness of a party to enter into a bargain, made in such a way that another individual is justified in understanding that his or her assent to the bargain is invited and that such assent will conclude the bargain. The general rule is that it must be reasonable in the circumstances for the recipient to believe that the communication is an offer. The more definite the communication, the more likely it will constitute an offer.

The demonstration of agreement with the terms and conditions of another person’s offer so that the offer becomes a formal contract between the two parties.

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What Happens If I Overstay My Tourist Visa In UAE – Dubai 2023

• by legal consultant
• September 21, 2023 March 25, 2024

What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in UAE in 2023?

This article will explore what happens if you overstay your tourist visa in the UAE, including the penalties and procedures.

For expert assistance with visa-related issues, turn to Al Mulla Lawyer & Legal Consultant, a trusted authority in visa cases in the UAE.

Office of Al Mulla. Whatsapp:  Click here . Phone:  00971501961291 .

Table of Contents

What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in UAE?

If you find yourself in a situation where you have overstayed your tourist visa in the UAE , here’s what you need to know:

Financial Penalties.

• You will incur financial penalties if you overstay your tourist visa after the grace period or visa validity period has ended.
• The first day of overstaying carries a fine of 50 AED.
• You will be charged an additional 50 AED daily from the second day onwards.

Exit Permit Fee.

You must obtain an exit permit when you leave the UAE after overstaying your visa.

The exit permit fee typically ranges from 250 to 350 AED, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Possible Detention.

In some cases, especially for extended overstays or serious violations, there is a risk of being detained until the fines and exit permit fees are settled.

Detention is a last resort but can occur if necessary.

FAQs about what happens if I overstay my tourist visa in UAE.

Conclusion.

Overstaying your tourist visa in the UAE can lead to financial penalties, an exit permit fee, and, in extreme cases, detention.

To avoid these consequences, you must be aware of your visa’s validity period and leave the country before it expires.

If you face an overstay situation or have visa-related concerns, seeking professional assistance from experts like Al Mulla Lawyer & Legal Consultant is highly advisable.

He can provide valuable guidance and support to navigate visa issues effectively, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience during your stay in the UAE.

Stay informed and compliant with visa regulations is key to a trouble-free visit to this beautiful country.

Contact the office of Al Mulla via Whatsapp.  Click here . You can also call us on phone:  00971501961291 .

Read about amnesty in UAE 2023; Path to Rectify Visa Issues.

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UAE visit visa: Travel agents now filing absconding cases against overstaying tourists

Experts explain how penalties are charged and the other sanctions that are being imposed in case tourists stay in the country beyond the validity of their visas.

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Published: Fri 3 Feb 2023, 1:27 PM

Last updated: Sat 4 Feb 2023, 10:54 AM

UAE travel agencies and tour operators are now filing absconding cases against tourists who overstay their visit visas , Khaleej Times has learnt. Some agents say overstayers could be 'blacklisted' and banned from entering the UAE or any GCC country if they do not exit 'more than five days' after their visas' expiry.

One circular from a travel agency that is being shared online reads: “Attention to all tourist visa holders! With immediate effect, overstay of even one day will be absconded without any notice...Extend your visa or exit the country.”

Another one states: “Final reminder for visitors staying with expired visas: The absconding ban has been started and whoever is overstaying more than 5 days will be blacklisted and will not be allowed to enter the UAE or any GCC country. Make necessary arrangements and leave the country before it's [too] late."

However, these circulars are from travel agencies and not the immigration authorities.

Explaining why absconding cases are being filed, Libin Varghese, operational director of Rooh Tourism, said: “Any visitor travelling to the UAE on a visit visa of 30 days or 60 days is under our sponsorship. We get into trouble and incur losses if the visitor overstays his visa term. We are reporting absconding for our safety."

“The fine for overstay is applied on us if a visitor overstays, and we retrieve the fine amount from the visitor,” he added.

The penalties are not the only problem the agencies are facing in case tourists overstay. Their visa application portals can also be blocked, they told Khaleej Times.

“Earlier, the overstay fines were less than the present charges. A person overstaying should also get an outpass to exit the country along with the fines, which become a huge burden on us, and we have given the option to charge them with absconding,” added Varghese.

Travel agents also said their portal would not accept applications for new visas if a visitor they sponsored overstays in the UAE.

What can a visitor do if charged with absconding?

Once the visitor is charged with absconding, he or she would need to clarify the case with the agent the issued his visa or the sponsor. Then, fines must be paid so the case could be withdrawn.

Experts in the travel industry said the minimum absconding penalty that must be paid is Dh2,000, and this increases every day.

Absconding is a criminal offence and those charged could be arrested by the police, travel agents said. A visitor who couldn't ascertain his or her visa status would be stopped at the airport and deportation would follow, they added.

“Many visitors are unaware of their visa validity status and overstay a few days. They learn about the absconding status only when they reach the airport. That may also be subjected to deportation,” said Robin Pathrose, sales manager at Kingsland Travels.

“We request every visitor to constantly be in touch with their sponsor to avoid the trouble,” he added.

Background checks conducted

Filing charges against overstayers could help travel agents curb violations. “We being the sponsor have to take care of their return. Many visitors do not take our calls and come with the intention to stay in the UAE without a visa,” said Parthose.

Some agencies conduct background checks on their customers before processing their visit visas.

"We understand that a few of them do not plan to return soon, which puts us under the radar and can be a problem for our business. So we do a thorough background check of the applicant before accepting his visa request," said Taha Siddique, owner of Galaxy Travel

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Number of absconding cases filed in UAE rises as people overstay tourist visas

Travel agencies are warning visitors about breaking entry rules as breaches soar.

The UAE is offering new types of visa, including options for long-stay tourists, jobseekers, accomplished professionals, star students and high-net-worth individuals. Wam

Travel agencies in the UAE are increasingly filing absconding cases against clients who overstay their visa .

Many jobseekers, often from countries in Asia and Africa , travel to the UAE on tourist visas in search of employment.

A new jobseeker visa category was introduced, however, the minimum requirement to be eligible is a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent level of education.

Travel agents said the rising number of overstay cases is causing reputational damage for their companies with immigration authorities, and that their visa portal can be blocked.

Libin Varghese, operational director of Rooh Tourism, told The National the company has issued more than 10 absconding cases in the past week.

“The first thing is that it is not a new action, this was always the case. Anyone who overstays can be marked as absconding," he said.

“We’re issuing absconding now because the overstay counts are really high right now.

“Now the portal is really busy with overstaying cases and if that count is too high, then we can’t issue the visa. To protect ourselves, we are issuing absconding.”

Travel agencies often issue tourist visas under their sponsorship, which means they are held responsible for ensuring that the client leaves the country on time.

There is a minimum fine of Dh2,000, which increases each day, on absconding cases.

Travel agencies must cover the costs if the client cannot be reached.

Absconding is a criminal offence in the UAE. Those who do not adjust their visa status can be held at the airport and then deported.

They also face an entry ban into the country.

Robin Pathrose, sales manager at Kingsland Travels, said his company has filed more than 25 absconding cases in the past week.

“There a lot of people who come on visit visas and then stay illegally after their visa has expired,” he said.

“And if they’ve come under the sponsorship of the travel agency, then we are responsible.

“Immigration does not let us apply for new visas when there are too many absconding cases and that really affects us.”

Some travel agencies have also been posting warning notifications on social media, urging people to exit the country before their visa expires.

New UAE visa rules that came into effect on October 3 allow visit visa holders to stay for 60 days at a time.

The decision to make all entry visas valid for 60 days from the date of issue ― double the previous allowance ― is one of a series of visa changes that were approved by the Cabinet in April.

Previously, there was no specific visa for tourists and those wishing to visit the UAE applied for 30-day, 60-day or 90-day visit visas.

The one, two and three-month entry permits are still available on a new visa, but mainly for people wishing to visit friends or relatives in the country, which requires documentary evidence proving the relationship and reasons for the visit.

All entry visas are available for single or multiple entry and can be renewed for a further 60 days.

Who is the tourist visa for?

Those who do not qualify for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE can apply for a tourist visa.

Citizens from 69 countries and states are eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE . Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

Visitors from countries that do not have a visa-on-arrival arrangement with the UAE can apply for their visas in advance through a travel agency or through the airline with which they are travelling.

The UAE Today

The latest news and analysis from the Emirates

How to Calculate Overstay Fines in UAE: Tourist, Visit, and Residence Visas

Main Points

Calculate Overstay Fine for UAE Visa:

Overstay fines apply to any foreigner on tourist/visit visa or residence visa.  The overstay fine for both categories are different.

In a recent development, the grace period for visit visas issued in Dubai has been eliminated, according to information provided by travel agents. Previously, visitors on visit visas in Dubai were granted a 10-day grace period after the visa’s expiration to exit the country. However, starting from May 15, 2023, this grace period no longer applies, and visitors must now leave the country before their visas expire to avoid overstay fines.

The duration of stay for visit visas, which can be either 30 days or 60 days depending on the type of visa, is now strictly enforced from the date of entry. Fines for overstaying are calculated immediately after the visa expires.

Previously, the grace period was automatically added to the visa’s duration upon entry into the country. However, this grace period is no longer included, and visitors must depart before the visa’s last day. Travel agents now advise visitors to be aware of their visa’s validity and ensure timely departure to avoid penalties.

Here is the simple calculator to check your overstay fine for visit/tourist or residence visa.

How to calculate overstay fine for uae visit or tourist visa.

If a tourist or a visitor overstays beyond the expiry of the visa period, you will start to incur fines, that gradually increase as the overstay increases:

• AED 200 for the first day of overstay
• AED 50 each consecutive day
• AED 100, as service fees.

Total Fine for overstaying on visit visa or tourist visa= AED 200 for the first day + AED 50 * consequent days of overstay + AED 100 service fee

How to calculate overstay fine for UAE residence visa?

In the case if you are on a UAE residence visa or on employment visa and your visa is cancelled or expired you have 30 days’ grace period after visa expiry or cancellation to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. During the grace period of 30 days you will not incur any fines.

If you overstay after the grace period, you will be fined with

• AED 125 for the first day
• AED 50 for each subsequent day.
• AED 50 per day after six months of overstaying
• AED 100 per day after one year of overstaying

Total Fine for overstaying on residence visa= AED 125 for the first day + AED 50 * number of days up to six months + AED 50 * number of days from six months to a year + AED 100 * consequent days.

Where can you pay the overstay visa fine?

In the past, travel agents were responsible for reporting overstayers and facing penalties on their behalf. However, under the new regulations, visitors will have to pay fines themselves before leaving the country. Overstaying a visit visa is considered a serious offense and can result in travelers being stopped at immigration counters in airports.

Overstay fines for each day of exceeding the visa’s validity period are set at Dh50, along with additional charges and exit permits.

Visitors who have overstayed their visas can pay the fines online through the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security website before heading to the airport. Alternatively, they can pay the fines in person at the airport’s immigration counter.

It is crucial for visitors to stay informed about their visa’s expiry date and ensure they depart the country before the visa expires to avoid any complications or penalties.

How to Check and Pay Your UAE Overstay Visa Fine Online?

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Visit visas

The UAE grants a foreigner a multi-entry or one-entry visa that allows him/her to visit the country for a specific purpose. A visit visa is also called an entry permit , and its purposes include tourism, vising a friend or a relative, a mission, exploring business or job opportunities, treatment, study and training, and transit.

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Cancelled Visa Overstay Fine in UAE 2024: What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

If you’re planning to visit or work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it’s important to be aware of the country’s visa regulations. Overstaying your visa can result in hefty fines and potential deportation. However, starting from 2024, the UAE government has announced that it will cancel the visa overstay fine for certain categories of visitors.

According to the new regulation, tourists and visitors who overstay their visas for up to 30 days will no longer be required to pay a fine. Instead, they will be given a grace period to leave the country without any penalty. This move is expected to boost tourism and business in the UAE, as it will encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the country’s offerings.

The UAE is a popular destination for tourists and professionals from around the world. With its stunning architecture, luxurious hotels, and thriving business environment, it’s easy to see why. However, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the country’s visa regulations to avoid any unnecessary fines or legal issues. With the new visa overstay fine cancellation in 2024, visitors can now enjoy their stay in the UAE without worrying about overstaying their visas.

Cancelled Visa Overstay Fine in UAE 2024

As of October 14th, 2022, the UAE Immigration and Residency rules standardized overstay fines.

Visitors on prepaid or on-arrival visit visas will be charged AED 50 per day if they overstay.

The daily fine for overstaying any visit, tourist, or residency visa is now AED 50 based on the new regulations.

Previously, the daily fine for overstaying a resident visa was AED 25 . Under the updated rules, resident visa overstayers will be charged AED 50 per day instead of AED 25 .

The Immigration and Residency rules aim to standardize penalties for visa overstays across visit, tourist and residency categories. Visitors and residents will all be subject to a daily AED 50 fine for each day they remain in the country after their visa expires.

This brings consistency to overstay fines, which are now AED 50 per day for any visa type as determined by the new UAE ICP regulations effective from October 14th, 2022.

Overview of Visa Overstay Regulations in UAE

If you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is important to be aware of the country’s visa overstay regulations. Overstaying your visa can result in hefty fines and even deportation. In this section, we will provide you with an overview of the visa overstay regulations in UAE.

Definition of Visa Overstay

Visa overstay occurs when you remain in the UAE after your visa has expired. It is important to note that even if your visa has not yet expired, you may still be considered to have overstayed if you have violated the terms of your visa, such as working without a work permit.

Legal Framework for Overstays

The UAE government takes visa overstays very seriously and has strict regulations in place to deal with offenders. If you overstay your visa, you may be subject to fines, deportation, and even a travel ban. The exact penalties depend on the length of your overstay and the type of visa you hold.

To avoid overstaying your visa, it is important to keep track of your visa’s expiration date and to apply for an extension or renewal if necessary. It is also important to comply with the terms and conditions of your visa, such as refraining from working if your visa does not permit it.

In conclusion, the UAE has strict regulations in place to deal with visa overstays. To avoid fines, deportation, and travel bans, it is important to be aware of the expiration date of your visa and to comply with its terms and conditions.

Consequences of Not Paying Overstay Fines

If you have overstayed your visa in the UAE, you may be required to pay a fine. Failure to pay this fine can lead to severe consequences, including immigration blacklisting and legal actions and penalties.

Immigration Blacklisting

If you do not pay your overstay fine, you may be blacklisted by the UAE immigration authorities. This means that you will not be able to enter the UAE again, and your name will be added to a database that is shared with other countries. Being blacklisted can have severe consequences, as it can affect your ability to travel to other countries in the future.

Legal Actions and Penalties

If you do not pay your overstay fine, you may also face legal actions and penalties. The UAE government takes visa overstays very seriously, and you may be subject to fines, imprisonment, or deportation. In some cases, you may also be banned from entering the UAE again.

It is important to note that the consequences of not paying your overstay fine can be severe. It is recommended that you pay your fine as soon as possible to avoid any further legal action or penalties.

Overall, it is important to follow the rules and regulations when visiting the UAE to avoid any legal issues. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have overstayed your visa, it is important to take action and pay your overstay fine to avoid any further consequences.

Preventive Measures and Compliance

Regular status checks.

To avoid overstaying your visa in UAE, it is important to keep a regular check on your visa status and validity. You can do this by setting reminders for visa expiry dates and renewing your visa well in advance. Additionally, you can keep track of your visa status by checking the UAE immigration website or contacting the relevant authorities.

Legal Assistance and Consultation

If you are unsure about your visa status or have any concerns regarding your visa, it is advisable to seek legal assistance and consultation. This can help you understand the legal requirements and consequences of overstaying your visa in UAE. You can consult with a legal professional or immigration expert who can guide you through the process of visa renewal or extension.

Taking preventive measures and complying with visa regulations can help you avoid the hefty fines and penalties associated with overstaying your visa in UAE. By keeping regular checks on your visa status and seeking legal assistance when necessary, you can ensure that you stay compliant with the visa regulations and avoid any legal issues.

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UAE: No overstay fines for visitors whose flights got cancelled

Dubai: Overstay fines wouldn’t be charged to residents and visitors who got stranded in the Emirate after flights were cancelled due to the record rains last week. A Dubai Call Centre Executive of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) confirmed that overstay fines have been waived for those who were supposed to fly out on various flights that were cancelled between April 16 and 18. No overstay fines were charged for many people including Indians who got stranded after Fly Dubai and Air India flights got cancelled. As per the renewed visa regulations in 2023, a daily fine of 50 dirhams was charged for overstaying in the country after visa expiration. However, passengers said that they were asked not to pay the fines when they reached the emigration counter at the Dubai International Airport. A Dubai-based travel agency said that some of their clients too had a similar experience. 

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Dubai: 'No visa overstay fines' for those whose flights got cancelled due to rains

N o overstay fines were charged to residents and visitors whose exit flights were cancelled due to the record rains last week, Khaleej Times has learnt.

Kurt Cervales, a Dubai resident, was supposed to fly out last Tuesday, April 16, the last day of his 30-day grace period after his visa’s cancellation.

He had quit his job and wasn’t able to find a new one before the grace period ended.

On the day of his flight, however, he woke up to a thunderous rainstorm that brought air travel to a halt.

His flydubai flight was moved to the next day, April 17, but with Dubai International Airport (DXB) severely impacted by the record rains, it was cancelled again.

“I was already counting the days, worried about the overstay fines that got bigger by the day,” said Cervales, who used to work at a major UAE retailer.

Overstayers are fined Dh50 per day, based on streamlined visa regulations that standardised penalties in 2023.

Cervales was prepared to pay the fine on Monday for the six days he stayed in the country beyond his grace period. When he reached the immigration counter, however, he was told he didn’t have to pay any fine.

Dubai-based travel agency MRG Pinas Travel said their passengers had the same experience.

“We were able to confirm that the fines were waived for our passengers whose flights were affected by the rains,” the agency told Khaleej Times.

These were visit visa holders who were supposed to travel on April 17 but were able to fly out only today.

A call centre executive for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai confirmed that the overstay fines were waived for travellers whose flights were cancelled from April 16 to 18.

“Beyond those dates, however, we are yet to receive a new advisory on fine waivers,” she said.