UAE eases entry permit extension process

Visitors can now apply for visit extensions via the government website or smartphone app

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customers and Ports Security has announced a change to the way in which visitors can apply for entry permit extensions in the country.

Visitors can now apply for extensions to their visit visas online or via an app. The development comes as UAE authorities increasingly look to digitise operations to make application processes more user-friendly. 

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Those applying for updated entry permits online or via the app could be granted the extension in less than 48 hours, as long as their application meets the correct criteria.

Once granted, extensions are valid for 30 days and can be issued twice. The cost of an extension is US$166.

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There are three instances in which an entry permit extension may be longer than 30 days. They are:
- Student permits
- Entry permits for people accompanying GCC citizens
- Healthcare permits

The duration of a visit visa will be dependent of the purpose of the trip but must not be longer than one year.

For more information, visit www.icp.gov.ae