Overstaying a UAE visa is a serious offence that results in daily fines, an entry ban, and potential detention. Here is what to do if you have overstayed and how to resolve your status.
UAE Visa Overstay Fines
Daily fine for overstaying a UAE visa: AED 50 per day after the visa expiry date. The fine accumulates from the day after visa expiry and must be paid in full before you can exit the UAE or regularise your status. Example: 30 days overstay = AED 1,500 fine. 90 days overstay = AED 4,500 fine. Grace period: tourist visas (visit visas) issued from GDRFA Dubai include a 10-day grace period after the visa stamped expiry date, but fines start from day 1 of overstay (not day 10). Some sources incorrectly state the grace period prevents fines — it does not; it only prevents immediate deportation.
UAE Entry Ban After Overstay
Overstays of less than 3 months: typically no automatic ban, but fines must be settled before exit. Overstays of 3–6 months: automatic 6-month entry ban applied at exit. Overstays of 6+ months: automatic 1-year entry ban. Criminal overstay (absconding from employer while on work permit): may result in 5-year ban or permanent ban. Bans can sometimes be lifted early by a UAE sponsor submitting a request on your behalf, but this is at the GDRFA’s discretion.
How to Regularise an Overstay Without Paying Fine
The ONLY way to avoid overstay fines is to exit the UAE before your visa expires. After expiry, there is no way to regularise status without paying fines. GDRFA Dubai periodically announces amnesty programs (2013, 2018, 2022) that allow overstayers to exit without paying accumulated fines. Check gdrfa.gov.ae for any active amnesty programs before assuming fines are unavoidable.