UAE Visit Visa Extension & Status Change 2025–2026

If you’re visiting Dubai and want to extend your stay or change your visa status, you can easily do so. Whether you’re a tourist, visitor, or resident, applying for a UAE visit visa extension or change can help you stay legally in the UAE. Most UAE visit visas allow you to extend your stay from 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of visa. With the latest updates for 2025-2026, the UAE government has made several changes to simplify and improve the process.

Change Your Visa
Extend Your Visa
📄 Visa Types
E-Visa,
🧳 Stay Durations
30 – 60 Days
⏱️ Processing Time
1-4 Days

UAE Visit Visa Change & Extension Services

  1. Visa Change Services: We provide a range of visa change services, including A2A Visa Change and B2B Visa Change. These services allow you to switch from one type of visa to another, such as converting a residence visa to a visit visa or a visit visa to a work visa with ease.
    • A2A Visa Change:
      • A quick process to extend a UAE visit/tourist visa by flying out and immediately re-entering with a new visa, often staying within the airport transit area.
      • Process: Book a flight (e.g., to Muscat, Bahrain, Kuwait), exit the UAE, get the new visa processed, and fly back to Dubai within hours.
      • Benefits: Saves time and money, avoids overstay fines, and is faster than exiting to your home country.
      • Ideal for: Tourists wanting to stay longer or job seekers needing time to find employment. 
    • B2B Visa Change:
      • A visa change option where you exit the UAE by bus (e.g., to Oman) and immediately re-enter, getting a new visa.
      • Process: Travel via bus across a land border, wait for the new visa, and return.
      • Benefits: Another economical way to extend a stay without a lengthy trip home, though generally considered less convenient than A2A for quick turnarounds. 

2. Visit Visa Extensions: You can easily extend your UAE visit visa for up to 60 days (2 months) without leaving the country. Additionally, you can switch to an employment visa if needed.

Airport to Airport Visa Change in UAE
Fast and reliable B2B visa change service exit from UAE.

Why Should You Extend Your Dubai Visit Visa?

Dubai has a lot to offer, and sometimes a 30 or 60-day visit visa isn’t enough. Here are some common reasons people seek a visa extension:

  • Extended Stay: If your visit visa doesn’t cover the full duration of your stay, you can extend it to stay longer legally.
  • Unexpected Delays: Travel issues like missed flights or delays might cause you to overstay. An extension helps avoid penalties.
  • Business Needs: If your meetings or business opportunities take longer than expected, extending your visa ensures you remain compliant.
  • Change of Plans: Sometimes plans change, and you might want to stay longer than originally planned. A visa extension makes this possible.
  • Visiting Loved Ones: If you wish to spend more time with family or friends, a visa extension allows you to stay without any legal issues.

Latest UAE Visit Visa Extension Rules (2025–2026)

The UAE has made several important updates to visit visa extension rules for 2025-2026 to offer greater flexibility for visitors. Here’s a summary of the major changes:

  • In‑Country Extensions: You can now extend your visit visa without leaving the UAE. This means no more exit and re-entry to extend your stay. You can apply for extensions directly from within the UAE.
  • Online & Smart Services: Extensions can be submitted via the ICP (Immigration, Citizenship & Ports Security) portal or through smart services, making the process more convenient.
  • Flexible Extension Duration:
    • Both 30-day and 60-day visit visas can now be extended for an additional 30 days at a time. This gives you more time to enjoy your stay in Dubai and explore the city without needing to leave.
    • Extensions are available in increments, with a maximum of 90 days possible for most visa types.
  • No Grace Period: The 10-day grace period after a visa expires has been removed. This means you need to apply for extensions before your visa expires to avoid fines.
  • Maximum Stay Limit: The total time you can stay on a visit visa is generally capped at 180 days per year, including any extensions. Ensure that your total stay doesn’t exceed this limit to avoid any issues.

Visa extensions are processed through the Gulliver Travels that issued your original visa or via the Immigration Control Authority’s online platform. Gulliver Travels offers a hassle-free visa extension service to guide you through the process.

Dubai Visit Visa Extension Options

Here are the main options for extending your Dubai visit visa:

  • Types of Visit Visas Eligible for Extension:
    • 30-Day Visit Visa (Single or Multiple Entry): Extendable for 30 additional days.
    • 60-Day Visit Visa (Single or Multiple Entry): Also extendable for 30 additional days.
    • 90-Day Visit Visa (in certain categories): Can also be extended by an additional 30 days.
  • Extension Methods: You can extend your visa without leaving the UAE by opting for an in-country extension.
  • Maximum Stay: You can stay up to 180 days per year on a visit visa, including any extensions.
  • Extension Period: Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, with a total of up to 90 additional days possible.

Key Requirements for a Dubai Visit Visa Extension

To apply for a Dubai visit visa extension, ensure you have the following documents:

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date your original visa expires.
  • Visit Visa Copy: A copy of your initial visit visa.
  • Return Flight Ticket: A copy of your return ticket.
  • Passport-Sized Photograph: For identification purposes.
  • Proof of Funds: Documentation showing you have sufficient funds to support your stay.

How to Extend Your UAE Visit Visa (2025–2026)

Follow these simple steps to extend your visit visa:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents:

  • Valid passport (at least six months remaining).
  • Copy of your visit visa.
  • Passport-sized photos.
  • Proof of travel health insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental agreement).
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or credit card details).
  • Payment for visa extension fees.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

  • Online Application:
    • Register on the UAE government portal or ICP platform.
    • Locate the visa extension service.
    • Complete the application and make the payment online.
  • In-Person Application:
    • Visit Gulliver Travels in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
    • Complete the application form.
    • Submit the form along with the required documents and payment.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Online: Log into the GDRFA system, fill in your details, pay the fees, and upload the necessary documents.
  • In-Person: Submit your documents and payment at Gulliver Travels in person.

Step 4: Track Your Application Status

  • You can check your application status online or through your chosen communication channel.
  • Once your extension is approved, you will receive your updated visa.

Conclusion

Extending your Dubai visit visa is simple and can be done online or in person. With the latest updates and flexible extension options, you can easily extend your stay in the UAE and continue enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer. For a smooth and hassle-free visa extension or visa change process, trust Gulliver Travels, your reliable partner for all UAE visa needs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re seeking to extend your visit visa, change to a new visa, or switch visa types, we’ve got you covered!

UAE Visit Visa Extension & Visa Change FAQs

FAQs: UAE Visit Visa Extension & Visa Change (2025–2026)

1) Can I extend my UAE visit visa without leaving the UAE?

Yes. Most visit visas can be extended in-country (no exit needed).

2) How many days can I extend my visit visa?

Extensions are usually done in 30-day increments (for 30/60/90-day visas, based on eligibility).

3) What is the maximum total stay on a visit visa?

In most cases, total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a year (including extensions).

4) Is there a grace period after visa expiry?

No. No grace period—apply before your visa expires to avoid fines.

5) What happens if I overstay?

You may get daily fines for each extra day.

6) What is A2A visa change?

A2A (Airport-to-Airport) visa change lets you change visa status with a quick trip route (as per service option).

7) What is B2B visa change?

B2B (Bus-to-Bus) visa change is a visa change option done via bus route (as per service option).

8) Can I change from visit visa to employment visa?

Yes, in many cases you can change status to employment visa (subject to approvals).

9) What documents are usually needed for extension?

Passport (6 months valid), visa copy, photo, and other basics (may vary).

10) How can I apply?

Via ICP/GDRFA online, or through a trusted agency like Gulliver Travels for a hassle-free process.