If you are planning a trip to Dubai or currently reside in the UAE, staying updated on visa regulations is critical. As of 2026, the UAE has strictly standardized its overstay penalties to ensure compliance. Gone are the days of varying fees for different visa types; the new system is uniform, stricter, and digital-first.
Here is everything you need to know about UAE Visa Overstay Fines in 2026 to avoid unexpected penalties at the airport.
The 2026 Standardized Fine Structure for UAE Visa Overstay
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has unified the overstay fines to a flat daily rate. This applies to all visa categories, including tourists, residents, and visitors.
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) | Amount (USD approx.) |
| Daily Overstay Fine | AED 50 | $13.60 |
| Exit Permit (Out Pass) | AED 250 – 300 | $68 – $82 |
| Service/Admin Fees | AED 100 – 200 | $27 – $54 |
Important: The fine accrues for every single day you remain in the country past your visa expiry or grace period. There is no cap on the total amount.
What is the Grace Period for UAE Visa Overstay Fines & Who Gets One?
Not everyone gets extra time. Understanding your specific visa type is the key to avoiding immediate fines.
1. Tourist & Visit Visas
- Grace Period: None (0 Days).
- Rule: For most prepaid visit visas (30, 60, or 90 days), fines begin the very next day after your visa expires.
- Exception: Some “Visa on Arrival” nationalities may have a short 10-day window to regularize status, but travel experts advise against relying on this as rules vary by passport.
2. Residence Visas (Expired or Cancelled)
- Grace Period: 60 Days (Standard).
- Rule: Most residents now have a 2-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry to either leave the country or secure a new visa without penalty.
3. Golden & Green Visa Holders
- Grace Period: 180 Days (6 Months).
- Rule: Holders of these long-term residency visas are granted a generous 6-month window to settle their affairs or renew their status.
How to Check and Pay UAE Visa Overstay Fine Online?
You do not need to visit an immigration office to check your status. You can view and settle fines digitally through official government portals.
If your visa was issued in Dubai (GDRFA):
- Visit the GDRFA website or download the Dubai Now app.
- Select “Fines Inquiry.”
- Enter your Passport Number or Visa File Number.
- Pay any outstanding amount using a valid credit/debit card.
If your visa was issued in Abu Dhabi or Northern Emirates (ICP):
- Go to the ICP Smart Services website (
icp.gov.ae). - Navigate to “Public Services” > “Fines – Pay Fines”.
- Enter your Unified Number (UID) or file number.
- Review the calculated penalties and pay online.
Pro Tip: Always save the digital receipt. You may need to show this at the airport immigration counter or to a new employer.
Also read – DUBAI Airport comes down in world’s busiest airports ranking
Consequences Beyond the Fine
Overstaying is not just a financial issue; it carries legal risks that can impact your future travel.
- Absconding Cases: If a tourist overstays, their travel agent or sponsor can file an “absconding” case to protect themselves. This leads to immediate arrest warrants and higher penalties.
- Travel Bans: Extended overstays can result in a permanent or temporary ban from re-entering the UAE or even other GCC countries.
- Exit Prevention: You physically cannot leave the airport until every dirham of the fine is settled.
5 Practical Tips to Avoid UAE Visa Penalties
- Don’t Trust the “Last Day”: If your visa expires on the 10th, aim to leave or renew by the 8th. Flight delays or system glitches on the last day can result in an unintentional overstay.
- Know Your Sponsor: If you are on a tourist visa, your travel agency is your sponsor. They are liable for your overstay, so communicate with them if you need an extension.
- Use the “Airport-to-Airport” Run: If you need to extend a tourist visa, book an “A2A” visa change package. This involves flying to a nearby country (like Oman) and returning same-day with a fresh entry permit.
- Check Status Weekly: Use the ICP or GDRFA apps to verify your exact expiry date. Do not rely on the date stamped on your passport, as digital records are the primary authority.
- Secure an Exit Permit: If you have accrued significant fines, you may need to pay for an “Exit Permit” (or Out Pass) at the airport to be allowed to leave. Budget an extra AED 300 for this.
What is the fine for overstaying a UAE visa in 2026?
The standardized fine for overstaying any UAE visa (tourist, visit, or residence) is AED 50 per day. This amount accrues starting from the first day following your visa expiry or the end of your grace period. Unlike previous years, there is no difference in the daily rate between residents and tourists; everyone pays the flat AED 50 fee.
How can I check and pay my UAE overstay fine online?
You can check and pay fines through the ICP Smart Services website (for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Northern Emirates) or the GDRFA website (for Dubai-issued visas). Simply select “Fines Inquiry,” enter your passport number or Unified Number (UID), and pay using a credit or debit card to clear the penalty instantly.
How many days is the grace period after UAE residence visa cancellation?
Most UAE residents are granted a 60-day grace period after their visa is cancelled or expired to either leave the country or secure a new visa. During this 2-month window, no fines are charged. However, once the 61st day begins, the standard AED 50 daily fine applies immediately.
Is there a grace period for tourist visas in the UAE in 2026?
No, there is generally zero grace period for prepaid tourist and visit visas in the UAE. Fines begin accumulating the very next day after your visa expires. While some specific “Visa on Arrival” nationalities may technically have a 10-day buffer to regularize their status, it is risky to rely on this; travel experts recommend leaving on or before your expiry date.
How much does the exit permit cost if I have overstayed my visa?
If you have overstayed and wish to leave the UAE, you must pay for an “Exit Permit” (often called an Out Pass) in addition to your daily fines. This permit typically costs between AED 250 and AED 300, depending on whether you process it through the ICP system or at the airport immigration counter.
Will I get a travel ban if I overstay my UAE visa?
Yes, extended overstays can lead to a travel ban. If you overstay for a significant period or leave without settling your fines (resulting in an “absconding” status), authorities may impose a ban on re-entry. This prevents you from entering the UAE or potentially other GCC countries until the ban is lifted and penalties are resolved.
Can I pay my overstay fines at Dubai Airport before flying?
Yes, you can pay fines at the immigration counters or specialized offices at Dubai International Airport (DXB). However, you should arrive at least 4 hours before your flight because the process can be slow. It is strongly advised to pay online 24 hours in advance to ensure the system is updated and you are not blocked at the e-gates.
Do children have to pay UAE visa overstay fines?
Yes, overstay fines apply to every individual passport holder, including infants and minors. If a family overstays, the AED 50 daily fine is charged per person, not per family. For example, a family of four overstaying for 10 days would owe AED 2,000 in total fines (plus separate exit permit fees for each person).
What happens if my sponsor reports me for absconding?
If you overstay a tourist visa, your travel agency (sponsor) faces heavy penalties and may file an “absconding” case against you to protect their license. Once an absconding case is filed, you become a wanted violator, facing immediate arrest, deportation, and a potential lifetime ban from the UAE.
What is the grace period for expired Golden Visa holders?
UAE Golden Visa and Green Visa holders enjoy a generous 6-month (180-day) grace period after their visa expires or is cancelled. This allows ample time to renew the visa or settle affairs without incurring any fines. After 180 days, the standard AED 50 daily penalty will apply.
