Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE recently implemented revised rules for those who wish to renew their visit visa or tourist visa. Here are three ways it is being done:

Exit UAE to renew visit visa

The most budget-friendly alternative is to leave the UAE via bus and travel to Oman. A new UAE visa will then be applied and once it is issued, the individual can return to the UAE. A UAE visa is usually issued on the same day, but a visa to enter Oman takes up to two days to process.

UAE visa renewal without exiting the country

Dubai offers visa change to those who wish to renew their UAE tourist visa or visit visa without exiting the country. However, this is only available until Dubai Immigration updates its system. It is also available only to those whose visas were issued in Dubai.

Airport-to-airport visa change

You can renew your visa with a short flight without having to leave the airplane. Airport-to-airport (A to A) is the fastest way to get your visa, although a bit costlier than other alternatives. Travel agents will arrange for your new visa to be issued just in time so you can hop on the plane to exit to a neighbouring country and fly on the same flight back to the UAE.

So what are UAE visit visa renewal rules?

Those whose visas were issued in Dubai can extend their visa without leaving the country. The process is in place until further notice. Those who have a visit visa from any other emirate and want to extend their stay in the UAE on visit visa must exit the country and apply for a new visa. Those on visit visa and want to change their status to a residence visa or any long-term visa must exit the UAE and re-enter once their new visa is issued. ICA/Expat Media
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