Exploring the United Arab Emirates is a thrilling adventure, but it’s important to understand the country’s immigration rules for a hassle-free visit. Extending your stay beyond the allowed visa period in the UAE can lead to fines and legal issues.
To steer clear of such complications, it’s vital to check UAE visa status and ensure you don’t have any outstanding UAE visa fines. This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to check overstay fine in the UAE, covering essential details about fees, online procedures, and more.
1- Checking Overstay Fine Through GDRFA Website
When you do a UAE visa fine check on the GDRFA website, you can do so using your File Number, UDB Number, Emirates ID, or Passport Number. The overstay fine can be checked on GDRFA website for both resident visas and visit visas.
By Using Your File Number
Go to the GDRFA website and click on ‘Fines Inquiry service’ on the home page. After clicking it, a form will appear. You need to fill out the form by following the steps below:
- Select File Number
- Select Resident
- Select your place of visa from the drop-down
- Type in your file number (103/2024/1234567)
- Select your Date of Birth
- Select Gender
- Click on the Captcha for a security check
- Click on the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom right
After you have clicked the submit, you can view your overstay fines. In case there are no fines, a message will appear stating “No fines have been found against your file number”
By Using Your Passport Number
On the same form as mentioned above, follow the steps below:
- Select Passport
- Type in your passport number
- Choose your nationality from the drop-down menu
- Select your Date of Birth
- Choose Gender
- Click Captcha for a security check
- Click the ‘submit’ button
By Using Your Emirates ID
On the same form as mentioned above, follow the steps below:
- Click on ‘Emirates ID’
- Type in your Emirates ID
- Select Date of Birth
- Choose Gender
- Click Captcha for security check
- Click the ‘submit’ button
How to Check Overstay Fine in UAE online for ‘Visit Visa’?
People who are staying in the UAE on a visit or tourist visa, can also do a visit visa fine check using GDRFA website. On the same form as mentioned above, follow the steps below:
- Click on ‘File Number’ in Search Type
- Select the ‘Permit’ option in File Type
- Select your visa-issuing government on the drop-down menu in the Place of Issue section
- Type in your File Number
- Select your Date of Birth
- Choose Gender
- Click Captcha for a security check
- Click the ‘Submit’ button
2- Overstay Fine Check UAE Through ICA Website
The second way you can check your overstay fine is by visiting ICA UAE’s official website. The things you need to have with you are:
- Residence Visa or File Number
- Date of Birth
Follow the steps below to check the visa fine on ICA UAE’s website:
Step 1
Start by visiting the ICP Smart Services website. Click on the ‘Public Services’ tab. After clicking it, select the ‘Fines and Leave Permits’ option.
Step 2
After clicking ‘Fines and Leave Permits’ option, you will see the FINES – PAY FINES option. Under this option, click on the ‘Start Service’ button, and you will see a form.
Step 3
You need to enter your correct details in the form. Enter ‘visa file number’, ‘date of birth’, and ‘current nationality’. After this, click on ‘Search’ button.
Step 4
Upon clicking the Search button, the website will show you the amount of overstay fine in AED. It will also show the number of days you overstayed.
How much is the overstay fine in the UAE?
Whether you have a tourist or visit visa, the overstay fine is the same for both. Below are the fine amounts for overstaying:
- First day: 100 AED
- After the first day: 50 AED
- Fixed one-time service fee: 50 AED
If you have a resident visa, below is the overstay fine:
- First day after the grace period: 50 AED
- Per day fine after 6 months (after the first day): 50 AED
- Per day fine from 6 to 12 months: 75 AED
- Per day fine after 12 months: 100 AED
How You Can do Overstay Fine Payment Online & Offline?
Now that we have discussed ways you can check visa fines – both online and offline, let’s discuss ways you can pay overstay fines. There are five ways to pay a visa fine.
1- Paying Visa Fines Through GDRFA Website (online)
Here’s a simple guide on how to check and settle your overstaying fines in the UAE:
- Visit the GDRFA website.
- Choose your file type:
- Select “Resident” if you have a residence visa.
- Choose “Permit” if you’re a visitor or tourist on a visa.
- Provide the requested information.
- Complete a basic math equation to confirm you’re not a robot.
- Click the ‘Submit’ button.
- After submitting, you’ll see the details of your overstaying fine.
- Input your visa details, and the system will show the fines you need to settle.
- Use a credit or debit card to make the payment.
2- Paying Visa Fines Through ICP Website (online)
Paying your overstay visa fine through the ICP website is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1:
Access the ICP Website
Visit the link beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
Click on the “Public Services” tab.
Select “Fines” -> “PAY FINES” -> “VIOLATIONS OF ENTRY PERMISSIONS OR RESIDENCES” -> “PAY NEW FINE” and click on “start service.”
Step 2:
For UAE Residents:
- Click on ‘file number.’
- Enter your file number (found on your UAE residence visa page in your passport).
- Provide your date of birth.
- Tick the captcha box and click ‘Search’ to view any fines on your visa.
For Visitors:
- Click on ‘Citizens of Certain Countries.’
- Enter your passport number, passport-type, date of birth, and current nationality.
- Check the captcha box and click ‘Search’ to see any fines on your visa.
- If the entered details are correct, you will see the overstay fine amount and the number of days overstayed.
Step 3:
- Select Relation with Sponsor and Submit Payment
- Choose the relationship with the sponsor from the drop-down menu and click ‘Next.’ Alternatively, select ‘none.’
- On the next page, provide your mobile number for the OTP.
- Enter your payment details and submit the request.
- Upon completion, you will receive a reference number along with the total fees, including VAT. This ensures a smooth process for settling your overstay visa fine.
ALTERNATIVELY
You can also pay fine using the Virtual Assistance feature on the bottom right side of your screen. Here are the steps:
To pay your fine through the ICA website, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the ICA Website
Go to www.icp.gov.ae, the official website of the ICA.
Step 2: Introduce Yourself on the Virtual Assistant.
Answer the virtual assistant’s question regarding how you’d like to be addressed during the conversation. Locate the virtual assistant on the bottom right of the screen.
Step 3: Access Services
The virtual assistant will present a list of services. Choose “Apply for Services.”
Step 4: Select Pay Fine or Enter Service Number
Opt for “Pay Fine” from the list of services or type the specific service number.
Step 5: Enter Unified Number
You’ll be prompted to enter your Unified Number. Provide the necessary information.
Step 6: Enter Date of Birth
Input your date of birth using the MM/DD/YYYY format.
Step 7: Check Violation Details
If there are any visa-related violations, your file with violation details will be displayed.
Step 8: Pay the Fine
A link to pay the fine will be provided. Click on the payment link to proceed.
Step 9: Review Information and Submit
The virtual assistant will redirect you to the service submission screen. Review the provided information and click “Next.”
Step 10: Confirm Payment Amount
The system will display the exact amount due. Click on “Pay” to complete the process and initiate the service request.
Step 11: Receive Transaction Number
After payment, you’ll receive a transaction number and a notification from ICA confirming the success of the payment. This final step ensures the completion of the payment process.
3- Paying Visa Fine UAE Through Typing Centers (offline)
To settle fines when applying for a new visa or departing the country, follow these steps by visiting an authorized typing center listed on the ICP website:
- Visit the ICP Website: https://icp.gov.ae/en/typing-offices/
- Locate Authorized Typing Centre: On the website, find the list of authorized typing centres.
- Choose a Convenient Centre: Select a typing centre that is convenient for you. Consider factors like location and operating hours.
- Visit the Selected Typing Centre: Physically go to the chosen typing centre.
- Request Assistance: Once at the typing centre, request assistance for paying fines related to a new visa application or departure from the country.
- Provide Necessary Information: Furnish the required details, such as your visa information, personal identification, and any relevant documentation.
- Make the Payment: Pay the fines associated with your specific situation using the payment methods accepted at the typing centre.
- Receive Confirmation: Obtain confirmation of your payment and any receipts provided by the typing centre.
4- Paying Visa Fines Through the ICP Customer Happiness Centers (offline)
To pay your overstay visa fine through the ICP Customer Happiness Centre, here is a compilation of locations that are accessible to visitors:
Abu Dhabi
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi (Location: Al Mushrif District, Shakhbut Bin Sultan Street)
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Al Dhafra (Location: Madinat Zayed Branch)
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Al Ain (Location: Al Jimi – Government Buildings District)
- Khalifa Customer Happiness Center (Location: Khalifa City A, next to Al-Forsan Sports Building)
- Al Ain Customer Happiness Center (Location: Al Jimi Street, opposite Judicial Department)
- Khalifa Medical City Customer Happiness Center (Location: Khalifa Medical City, Hazaa Bin Zayed Street)
- Mussafah Customer Happiness Center (Location: Mussafah Industrial Area, behind Preventive Medicine Center)
- Al Jazeera City Happiness Center (Location: Al Nahyan area at Al Jazira Sports Club)
- Al Quaa Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Al Quaa municipality building, Al Ain)
- Liwa Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Integrated Services Center (TAMM), Liwa Branch, Western Region)
- Ghayathi Customer Happiness Office (Location: Integrated Services Center (TAMM) Ghayathi Branch)
- Dalma Customer Happiness Office (Location: Integrated Services Center (TAMM) Dalma Branch)
- AlMarfa Customer Happiness Office (Location: Integrated Services Center (TAMM) AlMarfa Branch)
- Alsela Customer Happiness Office (Location: Integrated Services Center (TAMM), Alsela Branch)
Dubai
- Al Barsha Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Near Saudi German Hospital, Al Barsha 3)
- Al Ghazal Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Al Ghazal Mall, Al Bida area)
- Al Rashidiya Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Al Rashidiya, opposite Mohammed Noor Boys School)
- Al Nahda Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Salem Medical Examination Center)
- Yalayes Customer Happiness Centre (Location: Dubai Investment Park 2)
- Al Baraha Customer Happiness Office (Location: Al Baraha Smart Medical Fitness Center for Residency)
- Hatta Customer Happiness Office (Location: Department of Naturalization and Residence building, Hatta)
Sharjah
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Sharjah (Location: Al Rahmaniya area)
- Sharjah Customer Happiness Center (Location: Rahmaniya area)
- Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Khorfakkan (Location: Al Mudifi area, Khorfakkan)
- Al Dhaid Customer Happiness Center (Location: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Al Dhaid Region)
- Al Ghubaiba Customer Happiness Center (Location: Al Ghubaiba Preventive Medical Center)
Ajman
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Ajman (Location: Al Jurf area, University Street)
- Ajman Customer Happiness Center (Location: Al Jurf, behind the courthouse)
Umm Al Quwain
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Umm Al Quwain (Location: Ramla area, next to the Civil Defense building)
- Falaj Al Mualla Customer Happiness Office (Location: Falaj Al Mualla – Governmental Departments Complex)
Ras Al Khaimah
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs – Ras Al Khaimah (Location: Al Nakheel Area, General Administration of Residency and Foreigners Affairs building)
- Ras Al Khaimah Customer Happiness Center (Location: Al Dhait area, behind the Traffic and Licensing Department)
Fujairah
- General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs (Location: Merashid District, Al Sharqi Street, next to Emirates Post)
- Fujairah Customer Happiness Center (Location: Sakamkam area, Sakamkam Street, next to Saint Mary’s School)
Please note that these locations are subject to change, and it’s advisable to verify the information through the respective government websites or by contacting the relevant authorities.
UAE Overstay Fine Waiver Guide
Visa holders in the UAE who exceed their permitted stay and face fines due to unforeseen circumstances can request a fine waiver from the government. While the final decision rests with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), here are the steps and documents needed for the waiver application:
Mandatory Documents
Sponsor’s Details:
Original Emirates ID and passport visa copy of the sponsor.
Applicant’s passport and visa details.
Visa copy (file number) reflecting fines.
Newly approved e-visa (if applying for a status change).
Cancellation paper (if planning to exit the UAE).
Letter of Exemption or NOC/Petition letter (in Arabic) requesting fine reduction.
UID number from GDRFA for newborns (for fine reduction).
Supporting Documents
Judicial or Legal Causes:
Petition letter from the applicant’s sponsor company.
If the passport is retained or confiscated, a letter from the court or police addressed to relevant authorities is required.
Health Causes:
Petition letter from the Company, Sponsor, or Applicant.
Arabic medical report from the Health Authority or Health Ministry, detailing entry and exit dates from the hospital.
Personal Sponsorship (Family):
Petition letter from the sponsor.
Passport and visa copy of the sponsor.
Sponsor’s Salary certificate, Labor contract, Memorandum.
Any additional documents supporting the reason for overstaying.
Company Sponsorship:
Original Emirates ID of Sponsor/Partner/Company PRO.
Petition letter from the Company with the Company stamp.
Passport and Visa copy of the Applicant.
Establishment card copy.
Trade license.
Delay in Passport Issuing or Renewal:
Petition letter from the Company, Sponsor, or Applicant.
Letter from the Embassy/Consulate stating the date of Visa renewal application or Passport issue application submission.
Visa, Establishment card, and Trade licenses for Companies.
Labor contract for Personal Sponsorship.
Sponsor Death:
Petition letter from the Sponsor, Applicant, or Company with the company stamp.
Visa and Passport copy of the Applicant.
Passport Copy of the Sponsor (for Family Sponsorship).
Establishment card and Trade licenses for Companies.
Death Certificate.
Please note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval, and the GDRFA holds the authority to decide on fine waivers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who will pay the overstay fine in the UAE?
Be it a resident or visit visa holder, all individuals whose visa has expired or is cancelled are liable to pay an overstay fine.
Under what conditions do I have to pay an overstay visa fine?
If your visa is cancelled or your grace period is over, then you must pay a visa fine so you can leave the UAE or get another visa. In case your visa has expired, and you have not changed the status – it means you will still pay a fine upon changing the visa status.
What is the latest update about the UAE visa fine?
The UAE government recently made an important announcement for people visiting Dubai on visit visas. Now, there won’t be a grace period given after the expiry of the visit visa and overstay in Dubai. This means visitors must leave the country right before the end date mentioned on their visas, which indicates how long they are allowed to stay. It’s crucial to follow this rule to avoid any issues or penalties related to overstaying.
What happens if I neglect to settle my overstay fines?
Neglecting to pay overstay fines can result in additional penalties, potential travel bans, and complications for future visits to the UAE.
Do overstay fines have a consistent rate across all emirates in the UAE?
While there might be slight variations in overstay fines depending on the emirate, the general structure remains similar across the UAE.
Is it possible to inquire about overstay fines from a previous visit?
Certainly, you can inquire about overstay fines for any previous visits to the UAE as long as the fines are still outstanding.
Can I check overstay fines for a canceled visa and for how long?
Yes, you can check overstay fines for a canceled visa, provided you overstayed beyond the originally permitted duration.
Are there any exceptions for overstay fines in specific situations?
Exemptions for overstay fines are typically granted in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies or natural disasters. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s crucial to seek guidance from the immigration department.