Planning a trip to the UAE in 2026 and feeling lost in visa headlines? You’re not alone. One site says 30 days, another says 90, and a third says there’s a grace period that no longer exists.
Here’s the deal: UAE visa rules do change often, and the internet loves to blur the line between official policy and agency marketing. Let’s sort out what’s confirmed, what’s reported, and what you should double-check before you book.
What Is the New 60-Day UAE Visa?
The headline change comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). On June 25, 2026, ICP expanded eligibility for the UAE Entry Visa for Nationals of Certain Countries, covering both the 14-day and 60-day categories. icp
Think of it as a special-entry ticket with a clear menu: stay 14 days, or stay 60.
How Do the 14-Day and 60-Day Visas Differ?
The 14-day visa may be extended once during the stay, while the 60-day visa is issued as a single-entry, non-extendable visa. The fee is AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa. icpicp
Pick based on how firm your plans are. A 60-day visa is great if you know your dates. Think of it like a train ticket with no changes allowed.
Who Is Eligible for the 60-Day Visa?
This isn’t open to everyone. Six nationalities were added to India, which was previously the only eligible one: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa. icp
You also need a qualifying residence permit. Applicants and accompanying family members must hold a valid residence permit from the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. icp
UAE Entry Visa Key Facts Table
| Feature | 14-Day Entry Visa | 60-Day Entry Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | AED 100 | AED 250 |
| Entry type | Not specified in ICP release | Single-entry |
| Extension | Once during the stay | Not extendable |
| Overstay fine | AED 50 per day | AED 50 per day |
| Eligible nationalities | India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa | Same |
| Required residence permit | US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada | Same |
Source: ICP press release, June 25, 2026.
What About Standard Tourist Visit Visas?
Here’s where you should be careful. Many visa-agency sites say standard tourist visas now come in 30, 60 and 90-day options. For example, one guide says standard visit visas are now available in 30, 60, or 90-day durations, with multi-entry options. That might be accurate, but I couldn’t verify every detail on an official government page. dubaivisa
My advice: use agency sites as a starting point, then confirm on ICP’s or GDRFA’s own portals.
Can You Extend a Visit Visa?
It depends on the type. One advisory site reports that since December 2025, most 30-day and 60-day tourist and business visit visas can be extended online via the ICP portal without leaving the country. But that applies to standard tourist visas, not the special 60-day entry visa above, which ICP says is non-extendable. If you’re unsure, check your own visa type first. best-solution
For older rules, see our guide to the UAE visit visa 30-day extension fee and our post on the 3-month UAE visa.
What Are the Four New Visit Visa Types?
Visa advisory sites report that ICP announced them on September 29, 2025: AI Specialist, Entertainment, Events, and Cruise/Maritime. The idea is to match the visa to your reason for visiting, instead of one tourist visa for everyone. best-solution
The same source says each needs a licensed UAE sponsor. If you plan to attend a conference or film shoot, ask the organizer which visa they’ll sponsor. best-solution
What Documents Do You Usually Need?
Requirements vary by visa type and nationality, but visitors commonly prepare:
- A passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Passport copy and a color photo.
- A return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation proof, such as a hotel booking or host’s letter.
- Health insurance for the stay.
- Bank statements, if your visa category asks for proof of funds.
One visa site also lists a color copy of the passport cover page as a new 2026 requirement. Treat that as “reported” until you see it on your application form. dubaivisitsvisa
What Happens If You Overstay?
ICP says an overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies to violators of the entry visa rules, and holders must leave before their authorized stay expires. icp
Sources disagree on grace periods. One site says there’s a 10-day grace period, while another says rules carry a zero-day grace period with AED 50 per day effective February 11, 2026. Don’t gamble on this. Leave before your visa ends, and learn how to check fines with our guide to paying visa fines with ICP Smart Services. oravisa dubaivisitsvisa
How to Apply and Check Your Visa Status
A simple, safe process:
- Pick the right visa type for your nationality and plans.
- Apply through official channels, or an airline or licensed agent you trust.
- Check your status with the online visa status guide.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your approval.
- Note your exit date on your phone calendar.
Planning Your Trip After the Visa
Once your visa’s ready, use our 2 days in Dubai guide, get an eSIM, read about UAE cultural etiquette, and see why visitors call the UAE the world’s safest country. Thinking of a longer stay? Compare average rent in Dubai and the 2026 rent drop.
More UAE Visa and Living Guides
- UAE work permit guide
- Thailand visa requirements for UAE residents
- Furnished apartments in the UAE
- How to rent a house in Dubai
- Browse our full blog
FAQs About UAE Visit Visa Rules 2026
What is the 60-day UAE entry visa?
It’s a single-entry, non-extendable visa for eligible nationals holding residence permits from qualifying countries. ICP lists a AED 250 fee, and holders must leave before expiry or face an AED 50 daily overstay fine.
Who is eligible for the 60-day UAE visa?
Per ICP’s June 2026 update, eligible nationalities are India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, with residence permits from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
What is the UAE visa overstay fine?
ICP states an overstay fine of AED 50 per day, and visa holders must leave before their authorized stay ends. Check ICP or GDRFA for grace-period rules, since sources report them inconsistently.
Can I extend my UAE visit visa?
Rules depend on the visa type. ICP says the 14-day entry visa can be extended once while the 60-day entry visa cannot. Standard tourist visa extensions vary, so confirm options on the ICP portal.
What are the new UAE visit visa types?
ICP announced four purpose-built visit visas in September 2025: AI specialist, entertainment, events, and maritime tourism. Reports say each generally needs a licensed UAE sponsor, so check eligibility directly with ICP or GDRFA.
Final Thoughts
UAE visit visa rules in 2026 are more flexible, but also more fragmented. The 60-day entry visa is real, official and limited to certain nationalities with qualifying residence permits. Beyond that, plenty of “new rules” come from agency sites that blend facts with marketing. The smartest move is simple: confirm your visa type, check the official ICP or GDRFA portal, keep your dates clear, and leave on time. A little homework now means a smooth arrival, and a lot less stress at the airport.
