Visas Travel industry experts have disclosed that visitors opting for the airport-to-airport status change service to extend their visas will now face a surcharge of up to 20%. The rise in airfare, approximately Dh125, is attributed to both airline price hikes and an upswing in demand as visitors prefer to stay in the country during colder months.
Swift Visa Changes through Airport Routes
The airport-to-airport visa change option allows visitors to obtain a new tourist visa efficiently by traveling to the nearest country, bypassing the need to return to their home country. This process, whether completed on the same day or involving an overnight stay, typically takes around four hours for same-day procedures.
Shift in Visa Landscape: Demand for 60-Day Visas
With authorities discontinuing the 90-day visa option in the last quarter of 2023, there has been a notable surge in demand for 60-day visas among visitors. The starting price for a 60-day visa has increased from Dh1,300 to Dh1,500, with costs generally lower for those booking a month in advance.
Regulatory Changes and Temporary Adjustments
In December 2022, the UAE halted the option for visit visa holders to extend their stay permits from within the country, necessitating an exit before returning on a new visa. While this requirement had always been in place, the rules were temporarily adjusted during the Covid-19 lockdown for humanitarian reasons.
Fluctuations in Visa Costs
The cost for a 30-day visa change by air has also seen an increase, rising from Dh1,200 to Dh1,300 for starting rates. Demand for extending the 60-day visa is particularly high, with quotas frequently sold out, creating challenges in securing seats, according to industry experts.
Extended Stays and Weather Preferences
The uptick in demand for longer-duration visas is notable among senior citizens, who prefer extended stays, taking advantage of the pleasant weather. Residents are leveraging the favorable climate to invite their parents and relatives for extended periods, further contributing to the heightened demand for airport-to-airport visa changes.
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