United Arab Emirates | Immigration | Visa grace period and travel update


June 25, 2026

Immigration

United Arab Emirates | Visa grace period and travel update

Summary

The UAE has announced a temporary 30-day grace period allowing eligible individuals with expired visas to regularize their status or leave the country without penalties, following recent regional disruptions that prevented travel and visa processing.

At the same time, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK) have revised their travel advisories for the UAE, reflecting improved regional security conditions.

The detail

UAE introduces 30-day grace period

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a 30-day grace period, effective 10 June to 9 July 2026, for individuals whose visas have expired and who were unable to regularize their status due to exceptional regional disruptions.

This temporary relief allows affected individuals to renew their visa, amend their immigration status, or depart the UAE without incurring overstay fines. The UAE authorities have encouraged affected individuals to take advantage of the grace period and complete the necessary procedures before the deadline.

Australia, New Zealand, and UK revise travel advisories for the UAE

The Australian, New Zealand and the UK governments have updated their travel advisories for the UAE following developments in the Middle East, reflecting an improved regional security outlook.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has removed its previous advice against all but essential travel to the UAE, reversing precautionary measures introduced during a period of heightened regional tensions and signaling increased confidence in the security environment.

Similarly, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has lowered its advisory level for the UAE, citing improved regional stability and supporting greater confidence in travel to and through the country.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has revised its travel guidance for the UAE, recommending increased caution. The update aligns with similar revisions by other governments and underscores the UAE’s position as a key regional hub for business and international travel.

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official government guidance closely.

What this means

  • Individuals with expired visas should assess eligibility and take action before 9 July 2026 to avoid overstay penalties.
  • Employers should proactively identify affected employees and dependents and ensure timely regularization or exit.
  • Eased travel advisories from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK may support increased confidence in travel to and through the UAE.
  • Organizations should continue monitoring regional developments and maintain appropriate travel risk management protocols for employees travelling to or through the Middle East.

How we can help

Vialto continues to monitor developments affecting immigration compliance and international mobility across the UAE and the wider region. Our team can assist with:

  • Assessing the impact of the UAE’s temporary visa regularization measures on employees and their dependents.
  • Advising on visa renewals, status amendments, and immigration compliance requirements during the grace period.
  • Supporting individuals affected by travel disruption or immigration status changes.
  • Reviewing business traveler and employee populations to identify potential immigration or travel-related risks.
  • Providing strategic guidance on workforce mobility and travel planning in light of evolving regional security and advisory developments.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner

Rekha Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration

Nasrine Abdi
Manager, Middle East Immigration

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