Last updated: July 6, 2026
Who does this apply to?
This grace period applies only to people who were previously exempted from overstay fines because of the regional airspace closures and flight suspensions that began on February 28, 2026. If your visa expired or your grace period ran out because you genuinely could not depart the UAE during that disruption, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) had waived your daily fine — until now.
The current grace period started on June 10, 2026 and runs through July 9, 2026, giving affected travellers one final window to either regularize their status or leave the country through the proper channels. This is not a blanket amnesty for all overstayers — it only covers people whose overstay was directly tied to the February–March flight disruptions.
If your overstay isn’t connected to that period, the standard AED 50/day fine has already been applying to you and this deadline doesn’t change anything for your case.
What happens after July 9?
Once the grace period closes, the exemption ends completely. From July 10 onward, the standard, unified overstay fine applies immediately and in full:
- AED 50 per day, starting from day one of the overstay (no grace buffer for tourist/visit visas)
- This flat rate has applied across all seven emirates since February 11, 2026, when ICP replaced the old system where different emirates charged different rates
- The fine has no cap — it keeps accruing daily until you exit the UAE or resolve your status
- Unresolved fines can lead to exit bans and complications with future visa applications
You can verify your own fine status directly through the ICP smart services portal or, for Dubai-issued visas, the GDRFA portal.
How to Fix a UAE Visa Overstay Before the Deadline: A2A, B2B, and In-Country Options
If you’re affected, you have three legal paths to regularize your status before July 9 — which one fits depends on your situation and how much time you have left.
Airport-to-Airport (A2A) visa change — the fastest option. You fly out to a nearby country and return the same day with a fresh visa, often within 4–8 hours of landing back in the UAE. Best if your deadline is only a day or two away and you want it resolved same-day. See how A2A visa change works →
Border-to-Border (B2B) visa change by bus — the most budget-friendly option. A guided same-day bus trip across the Oman border and back, with a new tourist visa issued before you return to Dubai. Best if you have a few more days of runway and want to avoid flight costs. See how visa change by bus works →
In-country visa extension — if your visa category is eligible, you can extend your stay without leaving the UAE at all, usually processed within a few working days. Best if you qualify and want to avoid travel entirely. See in-country extension details →
Whichever route fits, the priority is acting before July 9 — once the exemption lapses, every additional day carries a fine with no cap.
FAQ
Is the July 9 exemption deadline likely to be extended again?
ICP has already extended this deadline once (from the original March 31 cutoff). There’s no announced plan for a further extension, and ICP has stated this grace period is meant to be final. Don’t assume another extension will happen — plan as if July 9 is firm.
What if I can’t leave the UAE by July 9?
If you’re unable to exit for reasons outside your control, contact ICP or GDRFA directly to ask about your specific case. Outside of documented exceptional circumstances, the standard AED 50/day fine will begin applying from July 10.
Does this exemption apply to tourist and visit visas, or only residence visas?
It applies to anyone — tourist, visit, or cancelled residence permit holders — whose overstay was directly caused by the February–March 2026 airspace closures and flight suspensions.
How do I check if I’m actually covered by this exemption?
Check your visa status directly on the ICP smart services portal (all emirates) or the GDRFA portal (Dubai-issued visas). If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, our team can help you check before you decide on a next step.
What’s the fastest way to resolve this if my deadline is in the next 48 hours?
An Airport-to-Airport (A2A) visa change is generally the quickest legal fix, since it can be completed same-day. Talk to a visa specialist →
This page was last updated on July 6, 2026 based on the current ICP grace period announcement. For an earlier update on this situation, see our March 31, 2026 overstay waiver guide.
