Planning to cancel your Dubai visit visa? Understanding Dubai visit visa cancellation charges and the process can save you time, money, and potential complications. This guide covers official fees, cancellation methods, and everything you need to know.
Dubai Visit Visa Cancellation Charges
The official cancellation charges for a Dubai visit visa are straightforward and affordable:
AED 50 – Standard cancellation fee (as per GDRFA Dubai)
If the sponsored person is inside the UAE, additional fees apply:
- AED 10 – Knowledge Dirham
- AED 10 – Innovation Dirham
Total cost if inside UAE: AED 70
For pre-entry cancellation (visa not yet used): Approximately $55 USD (around AED 200) per entry, depending on your visa service provider.
When Visit Visas Are Automatically Cancelled
You may not need to manually cancel your Dubai visit visa in these situations:
- 30-day tourist visa: Automatically expires if unused within 60 days from issue date
- 60-day tourist visa: Automatically expires if unused within 60 days from issue date
- GCC resident visa: Automatically expires if unused within 30 days from issue date
Once the validity period expires without entry, the UAE immigration system automatically drops the visa. You can then apply again with the same or different passport.
How to Cancel Dubai Visit Visa
Option 1: GDRFA Dubai Portal (Recommended)
- Visit the GDRFA Dubai website (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- Navigate to “Services” → “Visa Services”
- Select “Entry Permit/Visa Cancellation”
- Log in or register your account
- Complete the application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay the cancellation fees (AED 50-70)
- Submit your application
Processing time: Usually same day to 48 hours
Option 2: GDRFA Dubai Mobile App
Download the GDRFA-Dubai app from Apple Store or Google Play and follow the same steps as the website portal. This option is available 24/7 for your convenience.
Option 3: AMER Service Center
- Visit any AMER service center in Dubai
- Get a ticket at reception
- Request visa cancellation service
- Submit required documents
- Pay the service fees
- Receive confirmation
Available during AMER center operating hours.
Option 4: Authorized Typing Centers
Visit an authorized typing center in Dubai, submit your documents, pay the fees (typically AED 200-250 total including service charges), and receive your cancellation approval.
Option 5: Contact Your Travel Agency
If you obtained your visa through a travel agency, contact them directly for cancellation. They will:
- Handle the cancellation process on your behalf
- Guide you through required documents
- Process the cancellation through their GDRFA account
- Charge their service fee plus official GDRFA fees
This is often the simplest option as your agency already has your visa details and sponsor information on file.
Required Documents for Cancellation
- Copy of passport (visa holder)
- Copy of sponsor’s passport (if applicable)
- Entry permit copy
- Emirates ID copy (if issued)
- Visa application form (filled and signed)
Important: No Grace Period for Visit Visas
Visit visas do not have a grace period. Once your visit visa expires, you are immediately subject to overstay fines.
Overstay penalty: AED 50 per day plus administrative fees from the first day after expiry.
If you need to extend your stay, you must either:
- Apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires
- Exit the UAE before expiry and apply for a new visa
- Change your visa status to another type (if eligible)
Cancellation vs. Status Change
If you’re already in Dubai and want to convert to a different visa type (employment, residence, or family visa), you don’t necessarily need to exit. Instead:
- Your sponsor applies for a visa status change through GDRFA
- This effectively closes your visit visa
- Your new visa is processed without leaving the UAE
This saves you from paying cancellation fees and re-entry costs.
Why Cancel Your Dubai Visit Visa?
Change of travel plans: If you can’t travel as scheduled, canceling allows you to apply for a new visa later without complications.
Switching to another visa type: When converting from visit to work or residence visa from outside the UAE.
Avoiding future issues: Proper cancellation prevents potential bans or complications with future UAE visa applications.
Refund considerations: Some visa providers offer partial refunds if you cancel before the visa is used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming automatic cancellation applies to all situations – Only unused, expired visit visas are automatically cancelled
❌ Not checking with your visa sponsor or travel agency – Visit visa cancellation must be initiated by the sponsoring entity (agency, hotel, or company)
❌ Thinking there’s a grace period – Visit visas have NO grace period; overstay fines start immediately after expiry
❌ Missing the 30-day response window – If documents are missing from your application, you have 30 days to submit them or the application is voided
❌ Overstaying without settling fines – This creates a negative record and may affect future applications
Checking Your Visa Cancellation Status
Verify your cancellation through the ICP portal:
- Visit icp.gov.ae
- Click “Passport Information”
- Select “Visa or Residency”
- Enter passport number and expiry date
- Choose nationality and search
Your visa status, including cancellation confirmation, will be displayed.
Processing Time
- Digital channels (GDRFA website/app): Same day to 48 hours
- AMER centers: Usually same day
- Typing centers: 1-2 working days
If additional documents are required, you’ll receive an SMS and email notification within 30 days.
Key Takeaways
Dubai visit visa cancellation is straightforward and inexpensive. The official GDRFA charge is only AED 50-70. Most short-term visit visas automatically expire if unused, eliminating the need for manual cancellation. However, if you’ve entered the UAE or need to formally cancel before expiry, use the GDRFA portal for the fastest, most cost-effective service.
Always cancel properly to maintain a clean immigration record and ensure smooth future visa applications to the UAE.
Need More Help?
For the most current information and specific guidance on your visa type, contact GDRFA Dubai directly or visit their official website at gdrfad.gov.ae.
