How to Renew or Extend a Tourist Visa in Dubai? Complete Guide for 2025
Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. People from different parts of the world travel to Dubai for a variety of reasons. There are many different types of tourist visas for people who wish to come to Dubai. You probably know that tourist visas are required for those not eligible to travel to the UAE without a visa. This visa is usually obtained by hotels and airline agencies. Recently, new conditions have been added to the process of obtaining a tourist visa in the UAE, where people can renew their tourist visas twice without leaving the country. If you plan to travel to Dubai and are likely to travel longer than your tourist visa time limit, here we will explore how to renew or extend your tourist visa in Dubai.
What is the Dubai Tourist Visa?
As you know, there are different visas to stay in Dubai, and one would be a Dubai work visa and permit. You could also go for another advantageous option which is a Dubai freelance visa. Each of which has different specific conditions and durations. Dubai tourist visas are granted to those who cannot enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa. This visa is granted with a time limit of 30 or 90 days, depending on your application. This visa is for those who want to visit Dubai on their holidays or visit friends and family in the UAE. With this visa, you can travel to the UAE at the specified time. It should be noted that UAE embassies do not issue visas. And this visa is issued by a tour agent, airline or hotel in Dubai. If you have applied for a visa via an airline, you must book your flight ticket there as well. If you have applied for your visa through a hotel, you must also book your accommodation at the same hotel. And finally, if you can’t get your visa with either of the options above, you can apply through travel tour agencies, but be sure to research them and choose the dealership you want.
UAE Tourist Visa Types and Extension Conditions
The UAE provides 30-day, 60-day, 90-day and 5-year tourist visas, with each type having its own specific conditions for extension. The short-term visas are usually renewable on a one-time basis, whereas the 5-year visa allows extended stays on a yearly basis. The choice of the best visa type should be made depending on the intended duration of stay and circumstances.
30- and 60-Day Tourist Visas (Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry)
The 30-day and 60-day visitor visas are the most common types for short stays in the UAE. They exist as single or multiple-entry based on the visitor’s needs. They are usually renewable once more for another 30 days without the need to exit the country. They are mostly used by tourists or visitation of friends and relatives.
90-Day Tourist Visa
This visa is appropriate for someone who is starting a long stay in the UAE, i.e., frequent travelers or people taking a holiday for a period of time. Short-term visas offer limited scope for extension, whereas with the 90-day visa there are fewer options, and usually only one renewal can be made. Renewal must be applied for before the visa runs out.
5-Year Tourist Visa (Open to All Nationalities)
The 5-year tourist visa is one of the latest options introduced by the UAE government and is made available to most nationalities. The visa allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days in a year, extendable to 180 days in exceptional cases. The visa is suitable for investors, international families, and frequent visitors to the UAE. For other individuals who wish for even longer periods, finding out what the Golden Visa Dubai requirements are can also be beneficial.
Comparison of UAE Tourist Visas
In terms of cost, short-term visas (30 and 60 days) are generally more affordable but offer limited renewal options. The 90-day visa provides the advantage of a longer stay but comes with a higher cost. On the other hand, the 5-year visa offers the most flexibility but requires financial documentation and proof of the applicant’s financial capability. Therefore, the choice of visa should be based on travel needs, length of intended stay, and the individual’s financial situation.
Below is a comparison table of the different types of UAE tourist visas in terms of cost, requirements, and extension possibilities:
| Visa Type | Approximate Cost | Eligibility Requirements | Extension Possibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Visa | Lowest cost | Suitable for short trips, no specific documentation required | One-time extension for 30 days |
| 60-Day Visa | Moderate | Ideal for family visits or longer stays | One-time extension for 30 days |
| 90-Day Visa | Relatively high | Requires careful planning and additional documentation | Limited to one renewal |
| 5-Year Visa | Highest cost | Requires financial proof, hotel reservation, and health insurance | Up to 90 days per year (extendable to 180 days in special cases) |
Use of Visa Renewal in Dubai
This visa renewal law is also suitable for those looking for a job on an employment visa in Dubai. Because they have more time to find a better job or enjoy sightseeing in Dubai.
The visa is also suitable for tourists arriving in Dubai as tourists. They want to enjoy desert tours, see Dubai’s beautiful nightlife, and shop at Dubai’s luxury shopping malls.
Dubai Tourist Visa Extension Strategies (2025 Update)
In 2025, visitors to Dubai are able to renew their tourist visa in several different ways: in-country renewal by the GDRFA, through services at hotels and tour agencies, or taking a “Visa Run” briefly into a neighboring country and then re-entering. The appropriate choice varies according to the type of visa and particular circumstances, and consultation of a Dubai travel guide can prove helpful when choosing the most suitable.
In-Country Visa Extension (via GDRFA and Federal Authorities)
In-country renewal is the most preferable and convenient Dubai tourist visa extension method in 2025. Tourists can renew their visa for a further 30 days through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or official federal websites without needing to leave the UAE. This process typically involves paying a prescribed fee, submitting the required documents, and completing the process online or in person. The advantage of this process is the time and travel expense saved.
Expansion Through Travel Agencies and Hotels
Most authentic travel agencies and even some large hotels in Dubai offer visa extension services to their guests. It is the most convenient alternative for those who wish not to undergo formalities. Agencies, being directly connected with immigration officers, can give swift and hassle-free extensions. They come at a slightly higher cost than government-based alternatives.
Visa Run Method (Short Foreign Trip and Return)
The “Visa Run” method remains a common, though unofficial, visa extension practice among some travelers in 2025. Under this practice, the individual temporarily leaves the UAE—often to nearby nations like Oman or Bahrain—and returns to Dubai shortly thereafter to obtain a new visa. This option is especially useful for individuals who are unable to renew their current visa within the country. However, with immigration laws evolving, it’s best to exercise caution with this strategy and have a firm grasp of visa rules prior to taking action.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in Dubai?
Before proceeding with the renewal or extension process, it is essential to check the validity and expiry date of your current tourist visa. Make sure you initiate the renewal or extension process at least a few days before your visa expires to avoid complications.
Choosing the appropriate method is the next step:
- Online Application: Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and follow the instructions to apply for a visa renewal or extension online.
- In-person Application: Visit the nearest GDRFA branch or typing center approved by GDRFA to submit your application in person.
We explore how to apply for a tourist visa extension in Dubai below:
Apply for a Tourist Visa by GDRFA app
The steps to do this are as follows:
- Login to the GDRFA app
- Log in to the dashboard and open dependent visa details
- Tap the renew residence button
- Fill in the details
- Select the delivery method
- Attach documents
- Submit the fee
- Wait for SMS or email confirmation
Apply for a Tourist Visa By Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
The steps to do this are as follows:
- Visit the online portal of the Federal Authority for identity and citizenship
- Enter your credentials
- Add attachments
- Submit a 600-dirham fee and apply for an extension
Documents Required for Visa Extension in Dubai
Documents you need to submit to renew your Dubai tourist visa are mentioned below:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport. The important thing is to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- 2 passport-size photos with a white background, and the photos should be coloured
- A copy of your current visa should be a part of the documents
- Citizens of countries like Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq also have to submit their national ID card
Apart from the documents mentioned above, you must also provide some guarantor documents. We will introduce these documents to you below:
- You have to submit a copy of your guarantor’s passport and resident visa. Both should have a minimum of 3 months of validity.
- You must provide a copy of your guarantor’s Emirates ID.
- The contact number and email address of your guarantor should be part of the documents you submit
- Your guarantor’s last month’s bank statement also must be submitted. He or she must submit a security cheque for 550 dirhams. This cheque would not be deposited but rather returned to your guarantor once you return to your country.
- In case you do not have a guarantor, you would have to make a deposit of 2000 dirhams while applying for your visa renewal. This money will be refunded to your bank account once you reach your home country.
Ways to Extend Tourist Visas in Dubai
The ways of extending tourist visas in Dubai are very clear. Below are some of these methods:
- You could renew a tourist visa in Dubai for 30 days twice
- Keep a check on the expiry date of the first extension
- Apply for the second renewal before the first expires
Dubai Tourist Visa Renewal Fee
Renewing a tourist visa in Dubai in 2025 involves a set fee that one needs to pay before the visa expires. The lowest fee for renewal per extension is AED 600, which typically caters to administrative and registration services. If one takes too long to renew, he or she will be charged an additional AED 100 per day, and this will become very high very quickly. Additionally, there may be hidden fees such as agency processing charges, guarantees, or extra documents to be provided—depending on the case of each person. Therefore, being aware of potential expenses can enable improved planning.
| Type of Fee | Approximate Amount (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Extension Fee | AED 600 | For each extension (30 days) |
| Late Renewal Penalty | AED 100 per day | Charged if extended after the visa has expired |
| Hidden Costs | AED 100–300 (varies) | Includes processing, guarantor, and additional documents |
Dubai Tourist Visa Extension Grace Period
If, for any reason, you fail to renew your tourist visa in Dubai, you will have to pay 100 dirhams per day for every day you stay in Dubai. The number of days will be calculated ten days after the expiry date of your visa.
What Conditions Will Prevent Tourist Visas from Being Renewed in the UAE?
There are exceptions for some people in Dubai, and their visas will be extended. These people should have the following features:
- Visitors and tourists living in GCC countries
- Residents accompanying GCC nationals
- Who are on special entry permits
- Who are on a 96 hours permit for special missions
How Long Does the Dubai Tourist Visa Remain Valid?
A Dubai tourist visa is valid for 30 or 90 days. The validity period begins from the date of issue and cannot be extended. Visitors are required to leave the UAE before the end of the visa validity period. Any extension requires a new visa application.
Can Children Get a Free Visit Visa in Dubai?
Children under the age of 18 can be granted a free tourist visa each year from July 15 to 15 September on the condition that they are accompanied by adulthood. This issue was approved by a UAE cabinet in July 2018. This initiative was taken to promote tourism for children and their families. It allows children to explore and enjoy the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions without any visa fee. Be sure to check out everything you need to know about life in the UAE. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the UAE.
Can Women Under 18 Apply for a Tourist Visa in Dubai?
Women under 18 years old can apply for a Dubai tourist visa only if they are traveling with their parents. The parent must be the passport holder and the visa sponsor. The parent must also provide a no-objection letter from the other parent to the embassy. The sponsor must be a family member, such as a father, mother, brother, or sister.
the Difference Between a UAE Tourist Visa and a Visit Visa
The validity of a visit visa is 90 days, while a tourist visa is 30 days.
Tourist visas can’t be renewed for those citizens of the following countries:
East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Nabis, St Luisa, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus.
Things to Consider for Dubai Tourist Visa Renewal
Important tips to renew your tourist visa in Dubai you need to remember:
- Your tourist visa in Dubai can be renewed twice for 30 days.
- Do not forget to check the first visa renewal expiry date.
- Be sure to apply a second time before the renewal period is over.
Looking to Obtain a Tourist Visa for Dubai?
Well, as you’ve seen, it’s not hard to renew your Dubai tourist visa. You just need to properly present the documents we’ve told you about above at the right time. Once you’ve renewed your visa, you can continue to tour Dubai and the rest of the UAE or enjoy visiting friends and family without worrying. You’ll probably want to stay in Dubai forever and live here, in which case you need to know how to get a Dubai residency visa. If you’re looking for a long-term solution and considering buying a property in the UAE, Dxboffplan is the perfect place to start. With a wide range of UAE off-plan properties to choose from, Dxboffplan can help you find the most suitable property, whether you’re looking for a place to live or an investment opportunity. With their expert guidance and support, you can be sure of finding the right property for you.
frequently asked questions
The processing time for a tourist visa extension in Dubai can vary but typically takes around 2-3 business days. It's best to submit your application at least a week before your current visa expires to allow for processing time.
You will need a valid passport, a copy of your current visa, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of financial means to support your stay in Dubai. Additional documents may be required depending on your individual circumstances.
The cost of extending your tourist visa in Dubai will depend on the duration of the extension and any additional fees charged by the GDRFA. Expect to pay around AED 600 for a 30-day extension.
Yes, females under 18 can travel to Dubai with a tourist visa if accompanied by their parents.
No, in most cases, it can only be extended twice for 30 days each, unless new regulations are introduced.
Yes, under specific conditions, a tourist visa can be converted to a work or residency visa with a valid job offer or official invitation.
No, the 5-year visa doesn't need annual renewal, but each year allows a maximum 90-day stay, extendable to 180 days if needed.
It usually takes 1 to 3 working days to receive the extended visa, though in some cases it may take longer.
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