All options for visit visa holders to renew their visas from within the country, including for Dubai-issued permits, have now been suspended, according to travel agencies.

“There are no more options for any visitor to change the status of their visa while staying in the UAE,” said Praveen Choudhary, MD, Al Saffron Travel & Tourism LLC. “People who want to renew their visas must exit the country and then return.”

Earlier this month, new rules came into effect which discontinued the option for tourists in the UAE to extend their visit visas from within the country. For a few days, Dubai continued to allow visitors to renew their visas from within the country; however, this has now been suspended as well.

“There are several families and aged people who have approached us, hoping to extend their visas from within the country,” said Bharat Aidsani from Pluto Travels. "However, it is not possible and they must now leave the country and return after applying for a new visit visa.”