The UAE has set a final 30-day deadline for individuals with expired tourist visas affected by flight restrictions.
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The UAE has set a final 30-day deadline for individuals affected by flight restrictions.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced that individuals who were previously exempt from paying the Overstay Fine due to flight disruptions and the closure of airspace in the region will have a final 30-day period from June 10 to July 9, 2026, to regularize their residency status.
According to this decision, eligible individuals can choose one of the two options during this period without paying a fine:
:black_small_square: Legalize and activate their residency status and continue living or working in the UAE.
:black_small_square: Exit the country as per the normal procedures without incurring an Overstay Fine.
The ICP has emphasized that with the return of stability to the region and the lifting of the emergency conditions that caused the suspension of flights, it is now time for eligible individuals to clarify their status.
It has also been announced that individuals covered by this decision do not need to take any additional action to benefit from this deadline. Those who wish to continue their stay in the UAE can take steps to regularize their residency or employment status during this one-month period, and those who intend to exit can leave the country according to normal procedures.
This decision follows a circular issued by the ICP in March 2026. At that time, all individuals who were unable to leave the UAE due to the closure of airspace and the suspension of flights since February 28, 2026, were exempted from paying the Overstay Fine.
This exemption includes:
:black_small_square: Holders of various types of visas
:black_small_square: Individuals who had received exit permits
:black_small_square: Individuals whose residency had been canceled but were unable to travel and exit the country.
The UAE's Identity and Citizenship Authority has stated that these measures are in line with the UAE's humanitarian values and support for residents and visitors in emergency situations, and all eligible individuals have been asked to follow the official announcements of this authority for details and related procedures.
Source: Gulf Times