An electronic visit visa issued in Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai has suspended the option for visit visa holders to renew their visas without exiting the country, according to reports on Friday (December 30). Since mid-December, holders of all other visit visas issued in the UAE were required to exit the country before they could renew their visa. For Dubai-issued visas, however, there was an option for renewal without exiting the UAE. However, that has been suspended as of Friday, according to travel agencies. “All visit visa holders must now exit the country so that their visa can be renewed and then they can return to the country,” a travel agent told Expatmedia.net. “You need to exit the UAE for a change of visa status, otherwise you will still have the same visa file number and pay fines of Dh50 per day if you overstay your visa,” a travel agent from Mardan Travels told Expatmedia.net. The update in the rules has resulted in more trips from UAE to neighbouring countries as travelers sought to comply with the new rules under a budget-friendly visa change move. “We are arranging trips to Oman and Kuwait, among the most popular places, for those who want to quickly exit the UAE to renew their visa,” a travel agent told Expatmedia.net. Buses from UAE to Oman have reportedly been running at full capacity. Travelers are also hailing Omani taxis, which cost around Dh800 per trip and can be split by four passengers. Visit visas or regular tourist visas allow a person to stay in the UAE for 60 days. The visas can be renewed for a further 60 days. ICA/Expat Media
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