Visa Change Dubai to Extend Stay in UAE – Procedure & Requirements

Visa Change is a convenient visa provision wherein the existing Dubai visa holders are able to change the visa and lengthen their stay in the UAE by obtaining a new 30 days or 60 days visa. This is especially beneficial for visitors traveling to Dubai or UAE from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Egypt, etc, as they can change their visa upon its expiration without the hassle of flying to their home country. So, if you’re considering a

visa change Dubai

and would like to know more about it, here is everything you need to be aware of points to consider as well as its diverse options which even sometimes allow for a visa change the same day.

Things to Consider for Dubai Visa Change

As visa change is not granted or applied automatically, make sure that you submit your visa change application well before the validity of your UAE visa ends.
Choose the appropriate option (see ‘Visa Change Options’ section).
Attach all relevant documents (refer to the ‘Document Requirements’ section), along with the application, to ensure the quick processing of your visa change.
Most importantly, get your Dubai visa change processing done through a professional service provider with exceptional experience and knowledge in all aspects of the UAE visa services.
Since the visa change mostly involves traveling to a neighboring country and staying there (particularly in the case of Oman visa change via road) for a day or two, be sure to keep enough money to meet any additional expense.
As it will be most crowded, avoid weekends and public holidays for your visa change travel.

Document Requirements for Dubai Visa Change

Regardless of your preferred visa change option, the following documents will be required:
Passport and visa copies of each visitor
Guarantor’s documents such as copies of Residence Visa, Passport, and Emirates ID
Passport-size photo of a visitor (captured against the white background)
A cash deposit (if required)
Visa fee as stipulated

Suggested Read: How to Check Dubai Visa Status Online

UAE Visa Change Options

You can choose from one of these options to change your UAE visa.

1. Visa Run: In Visa Run Dubai, you will travel to a neighboring country (mostly Muscat (Oman), Bahrain or Kish Island) in order to get the visa changed or renewed. Leaving from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, you will re-enter the country (UAE) as the new 30-day visa or 60-day visa is issued.

2. Oman Visa Change via Road: For this visa change option, you’ll travel to Oman and stay here till your UAE visa is approved in two or three days. In fact, your service provider will take care of everything from Oman visa and UAE visa to two-way transfers between Dubai and Oman.

3. Airport to Airport Package: It is probably the fastest and easiest way to change your visa. With the Airport to Airport Visa Change (A to A Visa Change), you’ll take a flight to a nearby country (Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman) from Sharjah International Airport or Dubai International Airport and sometimes fly back by the same flight. This package includes visa change services plus roundtrip flight tickets.

Dependent on you’re flying from Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International Airport, the A to A Visa Change includes the following steps.

For your departure from Sharjah International Airport

Arrive at the airport three hours prior to your flight.
Make the payment (as required) at the Hala counter and then have your ticket stamped with ‘Visa Change’ and ‘Ok to Accept Pax.’
Once you receive your boarding pass and get the ‘Exit’ seal on a passport, send this to your visa service provider and this is significant for your visa change process.
As you land in Oman or Bahrain, complete all relevant procedures and then fly back to Sharjah. On the other hand, if you’re traveling to Kuwait, you needn’t have to disembark the flight. Simply remain seated until the same flight carries you to Sharjah.
Back in Sharjah, you can wait at the airport’s dedicated waiting section, food court or even stay in the airport hotel until your service provider notifies you about your UAE visa approval. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
As you obtain your new visa, clear the immigration procedures and receive an ‘Entry’ seal on your passport.

For your departure from Dubai International Airport

Arrive at the Terminal II of Dubai International Airport at least three hours prior to your flight time.
Make the required payment and get your ticket stamped with ‘Visa Change’ and ‘Ok to Accept Pax.’
As the next step, you’ll get your boarding pass upon which the immigration processes are completed and then passport stamped with Exit seal. Send this to your visa service provider as it’s significant for your visa change process.
As you reach Oman, head to the airport’s dedicated waiting section where you’ll wait until your service provider notifies you about your UAE visa approval. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
Once you’re informed about the UAE visa approval, you can return to Dubai International Airport.
Back in Dubai, clear the immigration procedures and come out of the airport with your passport stamped with the ‘Entry’ seal.

Conclusion

Be it Airport to Airport processor Visa Change via road, the most important thing is that you must apply for the same, together with all relevant documents and essential requirements, much prior to the expiry of your authorized stay in the UAE. With the knowledge and guidance of an expert visa team, the rest is assured (in most cases) that your new visa will be approved at ease in a minimal time frame.

Suggested Read: How to Apply for Dubai Visa Online?