Grace period for visitor visa overstays ended

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Emirati government has ended its grace period policy for foreign nationals who overstay their visitor visa in Dubai.

Key Points:

• Visitor visa holders will no longer be given a 10-day grace period if they overstay their visa in Dubai. Previously, visitors were able to stay in Dubai 10 days past their visa’s expiration date without being fined.
• Those who overstay their visitor visa in Dubai will be fined 50 AED (about US$13.60) per day.
• Visitor visa holders can apply for a 30-day extension visa through authorized travel or tourism companies.

Additional Information: Dubai is the last emirate to remove the 10-day overstay grace period. All visitor visas holders must leave the country or extend their visa to avoid overstay fines. This regulation does not affect nationalities eligible for 30- or 90-day visas on arrival.

BAL Analysis: The Emirati government ended the 10-day overstay grace period for visitor visas in Dubai to align its policies with the rest of the country. Visitor visa holders who need to stay in the country beyond their visa’s validity should apply for an extension to avoid fines and complications.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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