Frequently Asked Questions

YOUR SITUATION

I am currently outside the UAE and unable to travel due to flight disruptions

What this means

If you are currently outside the UAE and unable to travel due to flight disruptions, please remain in contact with your airline for the latest updates on flight availability and rebooking options.

The UAE authorities and airlines are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting schedules as needed. Once flights resume normal operations, you may proceed with your travel to the UAE.

What you should do next

  • ✓ Stay in regular contact with your airline for flight updates
  • ✓ Monitor rebooking options and schedule changes
  • ✓ Check RAKEZ updates for any additional guidance
  • ✓ Proceed with your travel once flights resume normal operations
YOUR SITUATION

My residence visa is about to expire and I am outside the UAE

What this means

If your residence visa expires while you are outside the UAE, the standard immigration process generally requires you to obtain a new entry permit before returning.

However, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a one-month grace period for residents whose visas expired on or after 28 February 2026 while they were outside the UAE.

If you fall within this category, you may return to the UAE without applying for a new entry permit and without incurring overstay fines until 31 March 2026.

What you should do next

  • ✓ Check if your visa expired on or after 28 February 2026
  • ✓ If yes, you may return to the UAE without a new entry permit until 31 March 2026
  • ✓ If your visa expired before 28 February 2026, apply for a new entry permit through RAKEZ Portal 360
  • ✓ Monitor airline schedules and book your return flight
  • ✓ Contact RAKEZ for support with visa processing upon arrival
YOUR SITUATION

My 60-day entry permit is about to expire and I have not yet entered the UAE

What this means

If your 60-day entry permit expires while you are outside the UAE, the standard process generally requires you to apply for a new entry permit before travelling.

However, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a one-month grace period for entry permit holders whose permits expired on or after 28 February 2026 while they were outside the UAE.

If you are eligible, you may travel to the UAE without applying for a new entry permit until 31 March 2026.

What you should do next

  • ✓ Verify if your entry permit expired on or after 28 February 2026
  • ✓ If eligible, you may travel to the UAE until 31 March 2026 without a new permit
  • ✓ If your permit expired before 28 February 2026, apply for a new entry permit through RAKEZ Portal 360
  • ✓ Upon arrival, complete medical test, biometrics, and visa stamping with RAKEZ priority support
YOUR SITUATION

I am inside the UAE and my visit or tourist visa has expired, but I am unable to travel

What this means

If you are currently inside the UAE and unable to leave due to flight disruptions, the UAE authorities have introduced temporary relief measures to support affected travellers.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), overstay fines will be waived for individuals who were unable to leave the UAE due to cancelled or delayed flights. This relief generally applies to individuals whose visas expired on or after 28 February 2026 while they were inside the UAE.

This may include visitors and tourist visa holders, individuals holding exit permits (out pass), and residents whose residence visas were cancelled and who were unable to exit the UAE due to travel disruptions.

What you should do next

  • ✓ Confirm that your visa expired on or after 28 February 2026
  • ✓ Retain documentation of your cancelled or delayed flight
  • ✓ Monitor airline updates for rebooking and departure options
  • ✓ Contact RAKEZ if you need assistance or clarification on your visa status
YOUR SITUATION

I cancelled my visa and my overstay fines started on 28 February 2026. I am still inside the UAE and unable to leave

What this means

If your overstay began on or after 28 February 2026 and you are unable to leave the UAE due to flight disruptions, overstay fines will be waived during this period until flights resume normal operations, in line with the latest update from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

What you should do next

  • ✓ Confirm your overstay period started on or after 28 February 2026
  • ✓ Keep documentation of flight cancellations or delays
  • ✓ Monitor flight schedules and prepare for departure when available
  • ✓ Stay informed of RAKEZ updates regarding any further relief measures
YOUR SITUATION

I cancelled my visa and my overstay started before 28 February 2026. I am still inside the UAE because I could not travel

What this means

If your visa was cancelled before 28 February 2026, the waiver may still apply from 28 February 2026 onward, provided you were unable to leave the UAE due to cancelled or delayed flights.

However, any overstay period before 28 February 2026 may not be covered by the waiver, and normal immigration penalties may apply for that earlier period.

What you should do next

  • ✓ Understand that the waiver may only apply from 28 February 2026 onward
  • ✓ Keep records of flight disruptions affecting your departure
  • ✓ Contact RAKEZ customer support for clarification on your specific situation
  • ✓ Monitor official announcements for any additional relief measures

How RAKEZ Can Assist You

RAKEZ remains committed to supporting clients during this period and ensuring that visa processes continue as smoothly and efficiently as possible once travel resumes.

VIP Visa Processing

End-to-end visa processing within 3 working days for both new visas and renewals, handled by our dedicated team for a smooth and fast experience.

Same-Day Medical & Biometrics

Complete your medical fitness test and biometrics on the same day at the RAKEZ Medical Fitness Center for faster visa processing.

Doorstep Medical & Biometrics

Enjoy the convenience of medical and biometric services at your location, saving you time while completing your visa requirements.

Dependent Visa Services

Bring your family to the UAE with our complete dependent visa support, ensuring a smooth process for your spouse and children.

Golden Visa Support

Guidance and processing support for eligible investors and professionals applying for the UAE Golden Visa.

Tourist Visa Services

Short-term tourist visa support for clients completing their business set-up, making it easier to stay and manage their business activities.

Dedicated Visa Support

Our team provides personalized support throughout every step of the visa process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Need Assistance?

For support with your visa or travel arrangements, please use the channels below:

Quick Access

Contact Us

Disclaimer: This guidance is based on the latest information currently available and may be updated in line with announcements issued by the relevant UAE authorities.