Travel industry experts have disclosed that individuals seeking to extend their visas using the airport-to-airport status change service will encounter an additional cost of up to 20%, compared to previous fares. This surge in expenses is attributed to both a rise in airfare, approximately Dh125 more, and an increased demand for extended stays in the country during the colder months. Shihab Parwad, the managing director of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, provided insights into the factors influencing this cost escalation.
The airport-to-airport visa change option provides a swift method for visitors to secure a new tourist visa by visiting the nearest country, eliminating the need to return to their home country. This process can be efficiently executed on the same day or by opting for an overnight stay in a neighboring country, followed by a return the next day, typically taking around four hours to complete.
The discontinuation of the 90-day visa option in the last quarter of 2023 resulted in a surge in demand for 60-day visas, causing a price increase from Dh1,300 to a starting rate of Dh1,500. The pricing dynamics are contingent on the booking timeframe, with more favorable rates available when reservations are made a month in advance. Libin Varghese, the head of operations and sales at Rooh Travel and Tourism LLC, shed light on this aspect.
In December 2022, the UAE implemented changes that no longer allowed visit visa holders to extend their stay permits from within the country. Instead, individuals were required to exit the country before returning on a new visa. This policy adjustment, initially implemented during the Covid-19 lockdown, was relaxed for humanitarian reasons when travel became challenging.
Moreover, the price for a 30-day visa change by air has experienced an increase from Dh1,200 to Dh1,300 (starting rates). Industry experts emphasize the overwhelming demand for extending the 60-day visa, particularly among senior citizens who prefer longer-duration visas. Additionally, residents are increasingly calling their relatives for extended stays, driven by the pleasant weather conditions.
This detailed overview underscores the intricate factors contributing to the cost dynamics and shifting demands in the realm of visa extensions in the UAE, shedding light on the evolving landscape of travel regulations and preferences among visitors and residents alike.