How long does UAE visa amnesty last in 2026?

The current window runs from 1 February to 30 April 2026; dates can be extended by Cabinet decision.

Can I change my visa type under the amnesty?

Yes, you can apply for a new residence visa inside the amnesty if you have a valid job offer or family sponsorship.

Do I need a medical test for amnesty?

Only if you want a new residence visa; a 30-day exit visa does not require a medical fitness test.

Will amnesty remove an existing entry ban?

Amnesty itself does not cancel bans; you must apply separately through ICP’s ban-lifting service after regularising status.

Can my employer sponsor me during amnesty?

Yes. Your new or existing employer can start the visa application while you are inside the amnesty period.

How to Apply for Visa Amnesty in UAE 2026

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Quick answer

Apply for UAE visa amnesty through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) portal or any Amer centre. You must hold an expired residence or visit visa, pay any overstay fines (or get them waived), and submit biometric data plus passport copies. Processing usually takes 24–72 hours once fees are settled.

Who qualifies for the 2026 UAE visa amnesty?

The Federal Government periodically launches amnesty windows for people who have overstayed their residence or visit visas. In 2026 the programme covers:

Residence-visa holders whose visas expired before 31 December 2025
Visit, tourist, or medical-treatment visa holders who overstayed up to 6 months
Dependants of residents who were included on the sponsor’s visa
People who lost jobs and could not leave before their visa lapsed

Visitors who entered visa-free or on visa-on-arrival are also covered if they stayed longer than 30 days after expiry.

Step-by-step: how to apply for visa amnesty in UAE 2026

Step 1 – Check your eligibility on the ICP website

Visit the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) and use the “Overstay Inquiry” tool. Enter your passport number and unified number. The system shows your exact fine amount and whether you fall inside the current amnesty window.

Step 2 – Gather the required documents

Original passport valid for at least 6 months
Two recent passport-size photos (white background)
Emirates ID copy (if previously issued)
Proof of previous visa (old stamped visa page or e-visa PDF)
Medical fitness certificate from a DHA- or MOHAP-approved centre if you intend to apply for a new residence visa immediately

Step 3 – Pay or waive overstay fines

Under the 2026 amnesty, fines up to AED 45,000 can be fully waived if you leave the country within the amnesty period. If you plan to stay and regularise, you pay a reduced penalty of AED 500 per month of overstay (capped at AED 3,000). Verify the current fee with ICP before payment.

Step 4 – Book an Amer or ICP service centre appointment

Use the ICP app or website to reserve a time slot. Centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman accept walk-ins for amnesty cases only on weekdays 8 am–3 pm, but appointments avoid long queues.

Step 5 – Submit biometrics and application

At the centre you will:

Scan fingerprints and iris
Hand over documents
Pay any remaining fees via card or cash
Receive a new 30-day visa (if departing) or an extension stamp (if regularising)

Step 6 – Track your application

Log into the ICP portal with your application number. Most approvals are granted within 24–72 hours; you will receive an SMS and email when the new visa is ready for download or collection.

Common mistakes expats make during amnesty

Waiting until the last day of the amnesty window – centres run out of daily quotas
Submitting an expired passport; renew it first at your embassy
Forgetting to cancel the previous visa number, leading to future entry bans
Paying the full overstay fine when a waiver is available
Using an unauthorised typing centre that adds hidden fees

Amnesty vs regular visa run: cost and risk comparison

Factor	Amnesty route	Visa run to Oman or Turkey
Overstay fine	Waived or AED 500/month capped	Full fine must be paid before exit
Entry ban risk	None if you apply inside window	Possible 6–12 month ban for long overstays
Time required	1–3 days	4–7 days including travel
Future visa eligibility	Protected	May need new sponsor

Tips to avoid future overstay problems

Set calendar reminders 30 days before visa expiry
Use the ICP app “Visa Reminder” push notification
If changing jobs, ask your new employer to initiate visa transfer within the grace period (usually 60 days)
Keep a digital copy of every visa and entry stamp in cloud storage
Register your new phone number with ICP so you receive expiry alerts

What happens if you miss the 2026 amnesty deadline?

You will need to pay the full overstay fine (AED 50 per day for the first 6 months, AED 100 per day thereafter) and may face an entry ban of 6–12 months. Deportation proceedings can start once the overstay exceeds 12 months. Contact ICP or a GDRFA-approved lawyer immediately to explore a discretionary waiver.

Key takeaway

The 2026 UAE visa amnesty gives overstayers a low-cost, low-risk path to legal status or safe exit. Apply early through ICP channels, keep digital copies of every document, and set reminders so you never miss an expiry date again.