What are the current UAE overstay fines for tourists?
Overstay fines are charged at a flat rate of AED 50 per day, starting immediately after the visa expiry (or after any applicable grace period). Additional service fees may apply when paying the fine.
What is considered overstaying in the UAE?
Overstaying is remaining in the United Arab Emirates well beyond the expiry date of your visitor or tourist visa without renewing it or departing. The UAE is very strict in its immigration policy and there are penalties in case your stay expires.
Is there a grace period?
Most UAE tourist visas have no grace period, and fines start the day after expiry. However, some 30-day on-arrival visas include a 10-day grace period.
What are the overstay fines for tourists?
Tourist overstay fines are as follows:
- Overstay fines are AED 50 per day from the first day after your visa expires.
- Service fees of around AED 100–200 may apply depending on where you settle the fine.
Therefore, by overstaying 5 days after the grace period, your total penalty would be about: (5 days x AED 50) + service fees = AED 250 + AED 100–300
How do you pay overstay fines?
Overstay fines can be paid in several ways:
- Online via the UAE portal
- At immigration offices or airport immigration counters when exiting the country
- The typing centers are authorized by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICP) through typing centers.
It is advisable that you pay the fine prior to your departure so that you do not have to face a last minute hitch at the airport.
Can overstay fines be waived?
In exceptional instances, fines levied because of overstaying can be discharged based on humanitarian grounds or well-documented urgencies (e.g. hospitalization). You would be required to hand in supportive documentation and apply in an ICP center.
But in the majority of cases, the fines are compulsory and irreducible.
What happens if you don’t pay?
Failing to pay overstay fines may result in:
- Travel bans or being blacklisted from future UAE entry
- Deportation orders
- Denial of future visa applications
- Detainment at immigration upon exit
Always resolve fines before leaving to avoid complications.
Can you extend your tourist visa to avoid overstay?
Yes. When your visa is still valid or in the grace period, you can:
- Tourist visas can sometimes be extended (usually 30 or 60 days), but in many cases you may need to apply for a new visa or exit and re-enter.
- Visa run, exit and re-enter on a new tourist visa
Extensions can be obtained by contacting an authorized travel agent or applying on the ICP portal.
Final tips for tourists
- Track your visa expiry date carefully
- Use the UAE portal to check your visa status and fine amounts
- Avoid last-minute exits or overstays - fines can quickly add up
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