Extend Your UAE Visit Visa for up to 90 Days! Sponsored by a UAE Resident? Find Out How!
Great news for visit visa holders sponsored by UAE residents! Did you know that you have the opportunity to extend your visa for a maximum of 90 days? Different extension options are available based on the type of visa you possess. For instance, if you hold a tourist visa, you can apply for a 30-day extension.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) introduced this fantastic visa sponsorship option on February 15, 2023. According to the ICP's announcement, if a UAE resident sponsors their family member or friend, they can utilize the visa extension service, granting an extension period of 30, 60, or even 90 days!
In this article you are going to discover the process, required documents, and cost for the sponsor to apply for 90-day visa extension in the UAE for visit visa holders.
Where to Apply For the 90-day Visit Visa Extension?
To apply for the 90-day visit visa extension in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you need to approach the responsible authority, ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).
There are three convenient channels through which you can submit your visa extension application:
1. ICP Smart Services Website: Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
2. ICP Mobile App - 'UAEICP': Download the UAEICP mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and Huawei. Once installed, you can use the app to submit your visa extension application smoothly.
3. Authorized Typing Centres: Alternatively, you can visit an ICP-approved typing centre to process your visa extension request. Access the list of approved typing centres in each Emirate by visiting the official ICP website at https://icp.gov.ae/en/typing-offices/.
Choose the most convenient option for you and complete the application process hassle-free.
Documents Needed to Apply For the 90-day Visit Visa Extension
When applying for a visit visa extension for your family member or friend, make sure to gather the following essential documents:
• Original Entry Permit: Provide the original copy of the entry permit issued for the visit visa.
• Coloured Passport Photo: Include a recent coloured passport photo of the visit visa holder.
• Rental Contract or Hotel Reservation: If the relative or friend will be staying at the sponsor's residence during their visit, submit the rental contract as proof. For those staying in a hotel, provide the reservation details.
• Copy of Return Ticket: Attach a copy of the return ticket, confirming the visitor's intention to leave the UAE after the extended visa period.
• Previous Security Deposit Receipt: Include a copy of the receipt for the previous security deposit paid.
• Emirates ID Card Copy: Provide a copy of the sponsor's Emirates ID card, both front and back.
Please note that additional documents may be required depending on the information provided in the application form.
How to Apply for UAE 90 days Visit Visa Extension through the ICP Website
1. Go to the ICP Smart Services website at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Scroll down and log in using your UAE Pass or your existing ICP online account.
2. After logging in, you will be directed to your personal dashboard on the website.
3. Click the ICP department specific to your Emirate, such as "Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship\Abu Dhabi" or "Sharjah."
4. Then, in the ‘module’ search bar, look for the service to extend visit visa. The service will appear below.
5. Click on "Start Service" to begin the application process.
6. Fill in the required details in the application form and upload the necessary documents as instructed.
7. Proceed to make the payment for the service fee using a credit or debit card.
Once the payment is successfully completed, you will receive a confirmation from ICP, acknowledging the submission of your application. According to ICP, the approval process generally takes around two to five business days to issue the extended visit visa.
Keep an eye on the email address provided in the application form, as the extended entry permit will be sent to that address.
Cost of the 90-day visa extension in UAE
The cost of the 90-day visa extension varies based on the details provided in the application. Here is an approximate breakdown of the expenses, according to ICP:
• Request Fees: AED 100
• Issue Fees: AED 500
• E-service Fees: AED 100
• Insurance Fees: AED 40
• ICP Fees: AED 22
• Smart Services Fees: AED 100
Total: AED 862
Please keep in mind that the service fees may differ based on the information entered in the application, as mentioned on the ICP website.
How to Extend Dubai Visit Visa for Friends and Family
Extending your visit visa in Dubai for friends and family is facilitated by the General Directorate of Foreign Affairs Residency – Dubai (GDRFA), the authority responsible for approving and issuing the extension.
If you have a visit visa for Dubai, the sponsor can apply for the extension through two channels:
1. GDRFA Smart Services Platform: Access smart.gdrfad.gov.ae and utilize the smart services system to apply for the visa extension online. Log in using your UAE Pass or existing GDRFA online account, if available.
2. Amer Service Centres: Amer centres handle immigration applications on behalf of Dubai's GDRFA. Visit the Arablocal website at and find the list of Amer Centres located in Dubai through the provided link.
The extension period for Dubai visit visas, as per GDRFA Dubai, allows for one or more extensions with a total duration not exceeding 180 days, subject to the decision of the relevant authority.
To apply for the visit visa extension through the GDRFA website, follow these steps outlined on their website:
1. Visit smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.
2. Log in to the smart services system using your UAE Pass or online GDRFA account.
3. Locate the visa extension service on your personal dashboard.
4. Fill in the required application data.
5. Make the payment for the service fee.
Dubai Visit Visa Extension Cost
• Visa Extension Fee: AED 600 + 5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
• Innovation Dirham: AED 10
• Fee Inside the Country: AED 500
Total: AED 1,120
Note: Please note that the total amount mentioned above is subject to variation based on specific circumstances surrounding the sponsored person or other unforeseen factors, as mentioned on the website.
Also Read:
Visit Visa Options For UAE Residents Who Want To Explore The GCC Region
The Process Of Extending The Validity Of A UAE Visit Visa For 60 More Days
Don't Apply For Jobs On A Visit Visa In The UAE