Guide to Overstay Fines in the UAE

Emirates is one of the most visited destinations in the world. That said, people visiting the Emirates for different purposes often overlook the expiry of their visas. This results in overstay fines in the UAE and permanent bans in severe cases.

Let’s explore the ins and outs of overstaying fines, from repercussions to payments.

• Understanding Overstay Fines in the UAE
• How to Pay Overstay Fines
• Overstay Fines Waiver in the UAE
• FAQs

Understanding Overstay Fines in the UAE

UAE welcomes visitors from all over the world through its different visa programs. You can come to travel or reside within the Emirates. However, there is a certain duration of your visa and after that, you must leave the Emirates or get a visa extension. Overstaying your visa is a crime within the Emirates and has certain legal repercussions.

Grace Period

The best part is that the UAE allows a grace period of 30 days for normal residence visa holders. Previously, the grace period was also for UAE tourist visa holders but the recent update has abolished that.

Furthermore, the UAE Government plans to increase the grace period for residence visa holders from 30 days to 60 days. This flexibility is to allow them time to find a job in the Emirates. The policy is yet to be implemented from September 1, 2024.

Here is the complete list of grace periods allowed for different UAE residence visa, work, and visit visa holders:

Legal Repercussions

Overstaying more than the allowed grace period can have the following legal repercussions:

• Exceeding the allowed grace period by 30 days can limit entry to one year.
• Exceeding by 90 days can restrict entry into the UAE for up to three years.
• Overstaying for 180 days may result in a ban for up to five years.
• Similarly, a person who overstays for over one year can be permanently banned from entering the UAE again.
• Also, exceeding visa time limits may result in blacklisting, marking the person as an overstayer. This may result in difficulty in visa issuance to other countries.

Other than this, overstaying in the UAE also results in fines, as discussed ahead.

How Much Is the Overstay Fine in the UAE?

UAE has standardised the overstaying fines for all types of visa holders from October 2022. This means that whether you are on a tourist visa or a residence visa, overstaying in UAE will incur a fine of AED 50 per day for every day of overstay. This exemption is only for visa holders on a grace period.

However, they are also advised to find a job in the UAE or leave the country before the end of the grace period. The majority of people are unaware of the UAE’s abolished grace period law for tourist visa holders. This is why they unknowingly extend their stay in the Emirates resulting in heavy penalties.

How to Pay Overstay Fines

If you were unaware of this law or have overstayed in UAE for some reason, here are the steps to pay the overstay fines:

1. Check Overstay Fines in UAE

Here are the two ways to check the status of overstay fines and the amount payable:

Through ICP Website

• Visit the official ICP website.
• Click on ‘Public Services’.
• Select ‘Fines’, then click on ‘Pay Fines’.
• Select either ‘Violations of Entry Permissions or Residences’ then choose ‘Pay New Fine’.
• Select ‘File Number’ or ‘Citizens of certain countries’.
• Fill out all the necessary information.
• Check the captcha box.
• All set! Click on the search box to see any outstanding overstay fines.

Through GDRFA Website

• Visit the GDRFA Official website.
• Choose ‘Fines Inquiry Service.
• Select a search type to search for the fines (File Number, UDB Number, Emirates ID or Passport Number).
• Select a file type that depends on the visa (resident or permit).
• Select the ‘Place of Issue’ and type the ‘File Number’.
• Fill out the necessary information, such as date of birth and gender.
• Check the captcha box.
• Hit the submit button.
• All set! View the applicable overstay fines.

2. Paying Overstay Fines

Easily pay your overstay fines online using the ICA section of the ICP website. Here are the steps:

• Go to the ICA section of the ICP website.
• At the bottom right of the screen, a virtual assistant will pop up.
• Click on it, then choose ‘Apply for services’.
• Click on ‘Pay fine’ or enter the service number.
• Type the unified number.
• Type your date of birth in the format (MM/DD/YYYY).
• This will show all the overstay details and applicable fines. With that, there would be a link to pay them.
• Click on the link, read all the information, and choose next.
• Hit on the ‘Pay’ button to submit the payment.
• Once the transaction is successful, you will receive a notification from ICA with your transaction number.

Overstay Fines Waiver in the UAE

The UAE government gives much flexibility to both residents and foreigners. One such flexibility is in the form of overstay fines waiver. Considering the overstayer’s situation, the UAE Government may waive the outstanding fine. It is, however, important to note that this is only applicable to people dealing with unforeseen circumstances.

A person can apply for the waiver through the GDRFA website. The authority will review the application and either approve or disapprove the request.

Required Documents

Here are the required documents to apply:

• Emirates ID or passport of sponsor (copy).
• Applicant’s visa and passport.
• File number and fine copy.
• Approved e-visa for change of status.
• Cancellation paper for UAE exit.
• A request letter for reduction or fine waiver (in Arabic).

Other Documents

The applicant may also submit the following documents to support their case:

• Overstaying because of Legal Issues: If, for some reason, the applicant’s passport is confiscated, they can attach a letter proving this. The letter can be from either the police or the court.
• Overstaying because of Health Issues: A medical certificate issued from the Ministry of Health should be submitted. Dates must be mentioned clearly.
• Overstaying because of Visa rejection: If an applicant’s visa to another country is declined, the UAE government provides up to a six-month grace period to apply for a new visa. Relevant documents must be submitted.

Note: One can also pay fines or request a waiver by visiting the customer happiness centres. However, there would be a fee to apply for these services in person.

FAQs

Knowing about overstay fines and legal implications in the UAE helps you follow the legal procedures. By following this, you can make your stay in UAE much more convenient.

As a tourist, these top tourist places to visit in Abu Dhabi should be on your travel itinerary.

Share