If you’re in the UAE on a visit visa and need to extend your stay without exiting to your home country, an A2A visa (airport-to-airport visa change) might be your best option. This process allows visitors to renew their UAE visa by briefly exiting the country and returning with a fresh visa. It’s a convenient solution for tourists and residents who need to extend their stay without lengthy processing times.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what is A2A visa in UAE, how it works, eligibility, costs, processing time, and much more. Whether you’re a tourist, freelancer, or business traveler, this guide will help you understand how to smoothly transition from one visa to another through the airport-to-airport process.
What is an A2A Visa in UAE?
An A2A visa is a process where a visitor in the UAE exits the country via an airport and immediately returns on a newly issued visa. This method is widely used by travelers who wish to extend their visit without returning to their home country. Instead of applying for a visa extension inside the UAE, they briefly travel to a neighboring country (such as Oman or Bahrain) and re-enter with a new visa.
Key Features of A2A Visa in UAE
- Available for 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day tourist visas.
- Requires travelers to exit and re-enter the UAE via an airport.
- Faster processing compared to in-country visa renewal.
- Suitable for tourists, business travelers, and job seekers.
- A convenient alternative to returning home for visa renewal.
Who Needs an A2A Visa in UAE?
You might need an A2A visa change in the UAE if:
- Your tourist visa is expiring soon, and you want to extend your stay.
- You did not secure a new residency visa but wish to remain in the country.
- You wish to avoid overstaying fines and legal issues.
- You are a job seeker waiting for an employment visa.
- You are a frequent traveler who prefers multiple short-term stays.
Many travelers, especially those on long vacations or looking for jobs, find this method cost-effective and hassle-free.
How Does the A2A Visa Process Work?
The airport-to-airport visa change process is relatively simple and usually takes a day. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Apply for a New UAE Tourist Visa
Before starting your A2A process, you must apply for a new tourist visa. Travel agencies like White Sky Travel can assist with visa applications for 30, 60, and 90 days.
Step 2: Book an A2A Visa Change Ticket
You will need a round-trip flight ticket for visa change purposes. Flights usually go to nearby destinations like Oman, Bahrain, or Kuwait.
Step 3: Exit the UAE
On the day of travel, you will:
- Arrive at the airport.
- Check-in and board a short flight to the selected destination.
- Exit the UAE legally to avoid fines.
Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing
Once you exit, your travel agent processes your new UAE visa. This can take 4 to 24 hours, depending on immigration approval.
Step 5: Return to the UAE
After receiving your new electronic visa (e-visa), you can board the next flight back to the UAE. Upon arrival, immigration officers will stamp your fresh visa, allowing you to stay legally for the next period.
A2A Visa Change Costs (A2A Visa Dubai)
The cost of an airport-to-airport visa change varies based on visa type, travel destination, and agency fees. Here’s a breakdown:
| Visa Type | A2A Process Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 30 Days Visa | AED 1,200 – AED 1,500 |
| 60 Days Visa | AED 1,500 – AED 1,900 |
| 90 Days Visa | AED 2,000 – AED 2,500 |
Processing Time for A2A Visa in UAE
- Visa approval: 4 to 24 hours
- Flight duration: 6 to 12 hours (round trip)
- Total time needed: Usually within a day
Advantages of A2A Visa Change in UAE
- Fast and Efficient: Get a new visa within a day.
- Avoid Overstay Fines: No penalties or legal troubles.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than returning home for renewal.
- Convenient for Job Seekers: Continue job hunting legally.
Disadvantages of A2A Visa Change
- Airfare Costs: Flights add extra expenses.
- Immigration Delays: Some applicants may face processing delays.
- Limited Flight Options: Flights to certain destinations may be unavailable.
Alternative Visa Renewal Options
Besides A2A visa change, you can consider:
- In-Country Visa Extension – Extend your visa within the UAE without exiting (costs AED 1100+).
- Visa Change by Bus – Travel to Oman by bus for renewal (cheaper but takes longer).
Conclusion
The A2A visa UAE is an excellent option for visitors looking to extend their stay without complications. It’s a quick, legal, and hassle-free method that helps avoid overstaying fines and ensures a smooth transition between visas. Whether you’re a tourist, job seeker, or freelancer, this visa change method can save you time and money.
If you need assistance with an A2A visa change, trusted travel agencies like White Sky Travel can guide you through the process and ensure a stress-free experience.
For more travel-related services and visa updates, stay connected with White Sky Travel.
