How to check your visa fines in UAE
Overstaying your visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can lead to significant fines, which can cause stress and confusion for expats and tourists alike. To avoid any legal issues, it is essential to know how to check your overstay fine and your visa status online. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of checking your overstay fines, understanding the grace period, and learning about the various types of visas in the UAE.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the UAE Visa System
- Grace Period for UAE Visa Holders
- How to Check Overstay Fine Online
- Checking Fines on the GDRFA Website
- Checking Fines on the ICP Website
- Overstay Fine Calculation
- Modifying Visa Status
- Penalties for Overstaying
- Contact Information
Understanding the UAE Visa System
The UAE visa system comprises various visa types, including residence, visit, and tourist visas. Each type has specific requirements, durations, and fees. To avoid overstaying and incurring fines, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your visa and keep track of its validity.
There are two immigration authorities responsible for issuing visas in the UAE: the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for Dubai and the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) for other emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
Grace Period for UAE Visa Holders
The immigration authorities in the UAE provide a grace period for visa holders to amend their visa status or leave the country before fines are levied. Residence visa holders have a grace period of 30 days after the visa’s expiry date, while there is no grace period for visit and tourist visa holders.
How to Check Overstay Fine Online
You can check your overstay fine and visa status online using the websites of the GDRFA and the ICP. These websites will provide you with information on fines regardless of which emirate issued your visa, as their online systems are interconnected.
Checking Fines on the GDRFA Website
Here are the steps to check fine in Dubai using the GDRFA website:
- Visit the GDRFA website – www.gdrfa.gov.ae
- Scroll down and select the ‘Fines inquiry’ tab on the home page.
- Choose the file type: Resident (for residence visa holders) or Permit (for visit or tourist visa holders).
- Provide the required details: place of issue, file number, date of birth, and gender.
- Solve the captcha verification and click on ‘Submit’.
- The system will display any fines levied on your visa.
Checking Fines on the ICP Website
To check your overstay fine on the ICP website, follow these steps:
- Access the service online by visiting this link: beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- From the top menu click on ‘Public Services’
- Scroll down and click on the ‘Start Service’ tab under ‘Fines – Pay Fines – Violations Of Entry Permissions Or Residences – Pay New Fine’.
- Choose either ‘File Number’ for residence visa inquiries or ‘Citizens Of Certain Countries’ for visit visa inquiries.
- Provide the necessary information, such as your file number, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
- Complete the captcha verification and click on ‘Search’.
- The system will display any fines levied on your visa.
Overstay Fine Calculation
The ICP has unified the overstay fines in the UAE for visit, tourist, and residence visas. The fine calculation is as follows:
- 50 AED per day (for all types of visit tourist & residence visas)
- 29.40 AED as a one-time E-services fee
- 122 AED ICP fee for each fine payment
- Additional bank charges may apply if you are using a Debit/Credit card for your fines payments
Modifying Visa Status
If you need to modify your visa status, you must do so during the grace period to avoid fines. You can change your status by applying for a new visa, extending your current visa, or leaving the UAE and re-entering with a new visa.
Penalties for Overstaying
Overstaying your visa in the UAE can result in fines, absconding and other legal issues, and even deportation. To avoid these consequences, it is crucial to keep track of your visa’s expiry date and act accordingly.
Contact Information
For more information on how to check overstay fine in the UAE or assistance with your visa status, please contact us at info@tabsit.ae. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the complex UAE visa system and ensure you stay compliant with the country’s immigration laws.
