Good news for tourists in the UAE as holders of expired tourist visas can now stay in the country till March 31.

According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), the facility has been extended to holders of expired one-month and three-month visits and tourist visas.

Travel agents have confirmed that the validity of Dubai visas they applied for on behalf of the travelers has been automatically extended to March 31. Several tourists also confirmed that they got their visas extended.

Earlier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had announced on December 27 a free one-month visa extension to all tourists.

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The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi issued a press release that mentioned that the validity of all visit visas/ entry permits issued before December 28 has been extended till March 31.

Inas Iqbal, an agent with Deira Travels, mentioned that the facility seems to have been extended only for Dubai visa holders for now. “The overstay fines travelers accumulated have also been waived off for visit visa holders whose visas were issued in Dubai.”

Mathew John, managing director, Sandset Travels said, “The facility does not seem to be available for visas issued by Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Many who heard about this overstayed and ended up paying fines.” He advised passengers, “We strongly advise passengers to check the online system before deciding to stay back or planning their travel back home.”