Since 2018, Dubai tourist visas can be extended twice for 30 days each without leaving the country — the old 'visa run to Oman' is dead. The whole process is online, takes 10 minutes, and costs AED 600 per extension. Here's exactly how it works in 2026.
Who can extend
Anyone currently in the UAE on a tourist visa (30-day or 60-day, single or multi entry, on-arrival or pre-approved) can extend. Transit visa holders (48-hour or 96-hour) CANNOT extend — those require exit and re-entry. Employment and Golden Visa holders don't need to extend — those are already long-term residencies.
Step-by-step online extension
Download the ICP Smart Services app (Android/iOS, free, works with UK/US phone numbers). Register with your passport and email. Select 'Extend visa' → 'Tourist visa extension'. Upload passport photo page (clear, coloured scan). Pay AED 600 by card. Approval usually comes within 24 hours by email and app notification. Your new expiry updates in the immigration system automatically — nothing to print, nothing to stamp.
When to apply
Apply on day 25–28 of your current entry, not earlier and not later. Applying too early can occasionally be rejected because your original visa is still valid. Applying on day 31 means you're already in overstay territory and incur the AED 50/day fine even if the extension goes through. Set a phone reminder for day 25.
Overstay fines 2026
AED 50 per day, payable at the airport before you depart. Amirates/flydubai check-in staff will not release your boarding pass until the fine is paid. There's no first-day grace period, and the fine applies from day one of overstay. If you're stuck longer (medical emergency, flight cancellation), get the extension applied ASAP — accumulated fines can hit AED 3,000+ in a couple of months.
Can I extend a third time?
Officially no — after two 30-day extensions (total 90 days), you must leave the UAE for at least 30 days before returning. In practice, some travellers do a same-day return trip to Muscat or Doha and re-enter on a fresh 30-day stamp. This is technically legal but flagged by immigration if repeated more than 2–3 times; if you're staying that long, the Virtual Working Programme visa is a cleaner solution.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dubai visa extension cost in 2026?+
AED 600 per 30-day extension, paid online via the ICP Smart Services app. No third-party markup unless you use a PRO agent.
How many times can I extend a Dubai tourist visa?+
Twice — for 30 days each — giving a maximum stay of 90 days per entry (original 30 + 30 + 30).
Do I still need to do a visa run to Oman?+
No. Visa runs have been unnecessary since 2018 when in-country extensions became available. Extend online for AED 600.
How long does the online extension take?+
Approval usually comes within 24 hours. Payment goes through instantly and the extension is logged in the immigration system automatically.
What's the overstay fine in Dubai in 2026?+
AED 50 per day, from day one of overstay. Payable at the airport before departure — you cannot board your flight without settling it.
Can I extend a Dubai transit visa?+
No — 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas cannot be extended. You would need to exit the UAE and re-enter on a new visa.
Can I extend my visa after 90 days by leaving and re-entering?+
You can re-enter after leaving, but immigration flags repeated back-to-back visa runs. For genuine long stays use the Virtual Working Programme or a 5-year multi-entry visa.
