Tourist Visa in UAE: What to Do When Your Tourist Visa Expires Without Entry
When you are granted a tourist visa to the UAE and you do not enter the country, there are specific steps you should follow after the visa has expired. This article will guide you on the process to apply for a new visa and avoid any penalties or complications.
Renewing or Extending Your Tourist Visa
A tourist visa typically cannot be renewed within the UAE. However, certain types of tourist visas, such as those granted to nationals eligible for a 30-day visa-on-arrival, can be extended. These extensions must be applied for before the visa expires. If your visa has expired and you have not entered the country, you will need to wait until the visa expires and then re-enter as a new visitor.
The validity of a tourist visa is two months from the date of issue. If you plan to travel to the UAE and your visa has expired, you must exit the country and then return with a new visa. It is important to note that, upon expiration of your visa, you will be required to pay an overstay fine.
Applying for a New Tourist Visa
Even if your previous tourist visa expired without entry, you can still apply for a new visa. If you plan to travel to the UAE in the future, you may opt for a more convenient route, such as obtaining a visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival is particularly advantageous as it requires no documentation and no prior application. You can apply for a 14-day visa on arrival at any of the Dubai Airports. The cost is approximately 120 AED (Dubai Dirhams) or around 2400 INR. This visa is very flexible and practical, especially if you do not plan to make another trip in the near future.
No Bar for Future Entries After Expiry
If you have a valid visa and did not enter the UAE within the specified validity period, you can still enter the country with another valid visa later. This means that you do not need to worry about any restrictions or bars for future entries. You can simply apply for a new visa or visa on arrival as per your travel plans.
Application Process and Overstay Penalties
Applying for a new tourist visa can be done while you are outside the UAE. If you attempt to get a tourist visa while already in the UAE, it may trigger issues with the immigration system, leading to a visa refusal and loss of the visa application cost. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you are outside the UAE when applying for a new tourist visa.
There are no legal implications for overstaying a visa period in the UAE. However, there are financial penalties to be aware of. The penalty for the first day of overstay is 300 AED (Dubai Dirhams), and for each subsequent day, the penalty is 100 AED (Dubai Dirhams). To avoid these penalties, you should ensure you exit the country at least 4-5 hours before your flight and pay any excess penalty fines at the airport immigration office. They will provide you with a clearance letter, which you can use for future entries without any repercussions.
Safe travels and a pleasant stay in the UAE, whether you are entering with a tourist visa or visa on arrival.