Fines & Overstay in United Arab Emirates
UAE overstay is AED 50 per day after a 30-day grace - easy to ignore, expensive when you finally need to fly.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The UAE has three main fine categories: immigration overstay (residence visa, entry permit, or tourist visa expired), traffic violations (issued per emirate), and labour fines (MOHRE - paid by employers). Overstay is the most common surprise for expats because it accrues silently on tourist and lapsed residence visas.
Immigration fines are checked and paid via the ICP app (most emirates) or the GDRFA Dubai app for Dubai-issued visas. Traffic fines are handled per emirate (RTA Dubai Drive, ADP, Sharjah Police, etc.). All can be cleared online with a credit or debit card.
Documents required
- Passport number or Emirates ID
- Visa/file unified number (helps when the passport changed)
- Vehicle plate number (for traffic fines)
Eligibility
- Anyone with a UAE visa file or vehicle plate can check and pay
- Disputes typically need to be filed within 30 days of the fine
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residence visa overstay | 50 AED | Per day after the 30-day grace period. |
| Tourist/visit visa overstay | 50 AED | Per day from day after expiry; some categories have no grace. |
| Entry permit overstay | 50 AED | Same daily rate. |
| Speeding fine (typical) | 300-3,000 AED | Plus black points; depends on how much over the limit. |
| Knowledge & innovation fees | 10 AED | Added to each fine paid online. |
Step by step
- 1
Check immigration fines
Open the ICP UAE app or icp.gov.ae 'Public Services > Fines Inquiry', or the GDRFA Dubai app. Enter passport or Emirates ID to see overstay and any visa-related fines.
5 minutes · online
- 2
Check traffic fines
RTA Dubai Drive, ADP app, or MOI app. Search by plate number or driver's licence number.
5 minutes · online
- 3
Pay or dispute
Pay online with card. To dispute, file an objection within 30 days through the same portal with supporting evidence.
Same day · online
- 4
Confirm clearance
Re-check status to confirm zero outstanding. Travel and visa renewals will be blocked until everything reads clean.
Instant · online
Processing time: Same day for payment; 7-30 days for fine disputes.
Where to do it online
- ICP
Check and pay residence visa, entry permit, and overstay fines
- GDRFA Dubai
Same for Dubai-issued visas
Amer and Tasheel centres can clear fines on your behalf if the app rejects your card, useful for older fines tied to passports that have since changed.
Renewal
Fine amnesties are announced periodically by the UAE government - the last broad one was in 2024. Outside amnesty windows, full amounts apply.
Fines & penalties
- Overstay: AED 50/day after grace
- Speeding 80km/h+ over limit: AED 3,000 + 23 black points + 60-day impound
- Mobile phone while driving: AED 800 + 4 black points
- Failure to pay before exit: cannot leave the country at the airport
Common pitfalls
- Assuming there's a grace period for tourist visas - some categories don't have one
- Old passport number on file - the system may not return your fines unless you use the unified number
- Leaving traffic fines from another emirate - they all block Mulkiya renewal
- Paying without checking the breakdown - some fines duplicate across systems and can be merged
FAQs
AED 50 per day. Residence visas and entry permits have a 30-day grace after expiry; some tourist visa categories have no grace. The total is paid at the airport or before visa renewal.
ICP app or icp.gov.ae 'File Validity' for non-Dubai visas, GDRFA Dubai app for Dubai-issued. Enter passport number, nationality, and date of birth. If you have an old passport, use the unified number from a previous visa for accurate results.
No. Overstay must be paid at the airport before you board. If you can't pay, you may be detained until family or employer settles it.
File an objection within 30 days on the issuing emirate's portal (RTA Dubai Drive, ADP, MOI). Upload evidence - dashcam footage, photos, witness statements. Most dispute decisions land within 30 days.
No, fines remain on the file indefinitely. The government does run occasional amnesty programs that waive or discount overstay - keep an eye on official ICP announcements.
AED 20 per day after the 30-day grace period, capped at AED 1,000.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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