Skip to content

Connecting business. Building understanding. Advancing peace.

Active

UAE Clarifies In-Country Visit and Tourist Visa Extension Regulations and Limits

UAE immigration authorities have outlined the guidelines for extending visit and tourist visas from within the country without requiring departure. Tourist permits can be extended up to 120 days, while business establishment and job exploration permits can reach up to 180 days.

Affected country
—
Location / route
—
Official source
—
Published by source
—
Effective period
Not stated
Last verified
— — verification pending
Status
Active

Summary of official information. Always check the official source and follow the guidance of the authorities. UECN does not issue risk ratings; the absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.

Issuing authority
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
September 28, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
gulfnews.com
Travelers walking past a large cylindrical digital Dubai display inside an airport terminal
Photo: Gulf News

UAE immigration authorities have clarified the rules and eligibility criteria for extending visit and tourist entry permits from within the country without requiring an exit, according to Gulf News.

Under guidelines issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), tourist entry permits can be extended once or multiple times up to a maximum cap of 120 days. Entry permits issued for exploring job opportunities, establishing a business, or visiting relatives and friends are eligible for extension up to a maximum duration of 180 days.

Certain permit categories remain strictly non-extendable, including border-area permits, entry permits for truck drivers, and maritime workers on tourist ships.

In the emirate of Dubai, extensions are administered through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and must be submitted through the original issuing sponsor or travel operator.

Sources

The UECN Brief

Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.

Language
Subscriptions

Double opt-in: we send a confirmation link. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy