Overstaying a UAE visa — whether tourist, visit, residency, or cancelled visa — results in daily fines that accumulate until the person exits the UAE or legalizes their status. Many individuals lose thousands because they do not understand how overstay penalties are calculated. A UAE Visa Overstay Penalty Calculator helps estimate the exact amount due based on the number of overstayed days, visa type, and category of entry.
This complete guide explains how overstay fines work, penalty structure, payment rules, calculation formula, grace period system, and refund eligibility.
What Is a Visa Overstay Penalty?
A UAE visa overstay penalty is a fine imposed on visitors and residents who remain in the UAE beyond their permitted visa duration or grace period. The fine applies daily until:
- They exit the UAE
- They renew or extend their visa
- Their status is legalized through amnesty or status adjustment
Overstay penalties apply to adults, children, dependents, and all categories of visa holders.
Who Is Charged the Overstay Penalty?
Penalty applies to:
- Tourist visa holders
- Visit visa holders
- Residence visa holders after cancellation
- Students, investors, dependents, domestic workers
- Visitors who remain after visa expiry without extension
The penalty is paid before leaving the country or before visa renewal.
UAE Visa Overstay Grace Period
| Visa Type | Grace Period After Expiry |
|---|---|
| Tourist / Visit Visa | No grace period (fines start next day) |
| Employment Visa cancellation | 30 – 180 days |
| Student Visa | 30 days |
| Dependent / Family Visa cancellation | 30 – 180 days |
| Golden Visa cancellation | 6 months |
| Green Visa cancellation | 6 months |
Grace period depends on residency category and immigration approval.
How Overstay Penalties Are Calculated
Formula for calculation:
Overstay Fine = (Daily Penalty × Number of Overstayed Days) + Administrative Charges (if applicable)
Daily penalties vary depending on visa type and duration of overstay.
Daily Fine Structure
| Period of Overstay | Tourist / Visit Visa | Residence Visa After Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| First Day – 30 Days | AED 50 per day | AED 50 per day |
| 31 – 90 Days | AED 100 per day | AED 100 per day |
| 90+ Days | AED 200 per day | AED 200 per day |
| Admin Charges | AED 100 – 350 | AED 100 – 350 |
Prices may vary depending on entry emirate (Dubai / Sharjah / Abu Dhabi).
Example Overstay Penalty Calculation
Scenario: Tourist visa overstayed 47 days.
- First 30 days × AED 50 = AED 1,500
- Next 17 days × AED 100 = AED 1,700
- Admin fees = AED 250
Total Penalty = AED 3,450
The calculator automates this process instantly based on exact dates.
Where to Pay Overstay Penalties
Overstay fines can be paid at:
- Airport immigration counters before departure
- Amer centers (Dubai)
- ICP Smart Services centers
- Online via ICP or GDRFA portals
Fine must be cleared before exit or visa renewal.
Avoiding Overstay Fines — Legal Options
To stop penalty buildup, visitors can:
- Extend tourist/visit visa online
- Apply for inside-country visa change
- Submit residency application
- Request grace period extension (approved cases only)
Residents can avoid heavy fines by:
- Starting visa transfer process early
- Cancelling dependents before cancelling employment visa
- Applying for outpass if passport is held or damaged
Extra Fees That May Apply
Sometimes additional charges are added:
- Service fee for overstay settlement
- Overstay clearance certificate charges
- Outpass fee for travellers without valid passports
- Typing center fees when resolving in person
Unauthorized exit without clearing fines may lead to travel bans.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty type | Daily fine for staying beyond visa expiry |
| Fine applies to | Tourists, residents, dependents |
| Daily fine range | AED 50 – 200 based on stay type |
| Payment deadline | Before exit or new visa approval |
| Additional charges | AED 100 – 350 admin cost |
| Exemption | Rare — handled only through immigration approval |
Key Tips to Minimize Penalties
- Track visa expiry in UAE Pass or immigration SMS updates
- Renew or exit before the last date
- Avoid illegal overstays — even 1 day incurs a fine
- Keep passport valid for 6 months before renewal
- Use UAE Visa Overstay Calculator to plan expenses in advance
Importance of UAE Visa Overstay Penalty Calculator
The calculator helps travelers and residents:
- Estimate exact penalty based on overstay days
- Decide whether to extend visa or exit
- Budget for airport fine payments
- Avoid miscalculation and unexpected fees
- Know penalty increase thresholds (after 30 and 90 days)
It requires:
- Date of visa expiry or cancellation
- Date of expected exit
- Visa type category
FAQs
Q1. Can I travel without paying visa overstay fine?
No, you must clear overstay fines before exiting or renewing your visa.
Q2. Does the fine stop if I apply for a new visa inside UAE?
Yes, fines stop once immigration confirms an approved status change.
Q3. Do infants and children also pay the overstay penalty?
Yes, overstay fines apply to all visa holders, including children and dependents.