To a lot of visitors who have been staying in the United Arab Emirates, it has become a lot easier to extend their stay or change their visa status without necessarily having to leave the country courtesy of the A2A visa change option. Also known as Airport-to-Airport visa change, it involves the traveler flying to a neighboring country like Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Georgia and coming back to UAE on a new visa- in many cases on the same day. The A2A process is easy and affordable as compared to the mechanism of renewing visas, especially among the tourists and job seekers who do not want to go back to their country.
It is important to know the process of changing the A2A visa in terms of budgeting and travel planning. The blog provides an in-depth cost analysis of the A2A visa change of the UAE visitor, visa fee, flight tickets, service charges and so on. Be it you want to extend your stay in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, this guide will be useful in planning your finances and make informed choices of changing your visa status.
What is A2A Visa Change?
An A2A visa change is a procedure in which the visitor leaves the UAE and travels to a nearby country-typically within a few hours or a maximum of 1 day and comes back with a new tourist visa. In contrast to the old-school visa runs, which might have taken days or even weeks in a foreign country, the A2A procedure is usually faster and is usually facilitated by a travel or visa agency in the UAE.
It is a particularly common choice when it comes to people who arrived in the UAE under the tourist visa or job seeker visa and have to prolong their legal residency in the country without having to go outside the Gulf region and stay there long enough. It is one of the most convenient visa solutions to visit Dubai as most of the agencies in the city and the rest of the UAE provide full A2A visa change package with visa application, flight tickets, and processing support.
A2A Visa Change Step-by-Step
Check Eligibility
Make sure you have an expired visa that is soon approaching and you can apply to a new tourist visa. Most people choose to do it in the period prior to the remaining 3-5 days before their present visa expires.
Destination of your Choice
The most popular A2A destinations are Muscat (Oman), Bahrain and Kuwait. The reason behind the choice of these destinations is their proximity and fast visa processing.
A2A Package Booking
Reach out to a professional visa change service in the UAE. They will take care of the entire a2a visa change process, your flights, your new visa, and even assistance at the airport.
Fly and Wait
On the day of travel, you will fly out of the UAE, and spend a couple of hours in the destination airport and come back with your new UAE visa.
Re-entry and Documentation
After your visa is granted (usually when you are still outside the country), the agency will inform you and you can come back to the UAE. When you come in you will be given a new visa.
Breakdown of the Cost of A2A Visa Change
Now, let us examine each element that makes up the cost of A2A visa change:
1. Visa Fee
The main expense is the UAE tourist visa (30 or 60 days):
Tourist visa: 30 days AED 850 to AED 1,100
60 days tourist visa: AED 1,200 -AED 1,500
This charge generally entails documentation, processing and sponsorship.
2. Flight Charges
One of the biggest factors in the A2A visa change cost is the price of returning flights to Oman, Bahrain, or Kuwait:
Muscat (Oman): 500 AED (700 AED)
Bahrain or Kuwait: AED 600 -AED 850
The prices can be different based on the airline, time of booking and seasonality.
3. Agency Service Charges
The visa agencies have bundled services:
The charges start at AED 150 and go up to AED 300, depending on the type of service and airport assistance that is provided.
Meal vouchers or access to a lounge are also available in some packages.
4. Airport Fees (as applicable)
There can be airport departure fees or airport service fees on leaving the UAE or entering the destination country in certain cases:
Estimated price: AED 50-AED 100
5. COVID/Travel Insurance (Optional and Recommended)
There are agencies or airlines who would need valid travel insurance on the day trip:
Estimated price: AED 50-AED 100
6. Optional Urgent Processing Fees (Optional)
In case you need your new visa as soon as possible:
There are extra fees of AED 100-AED 200.
Total Estimated Cost Range
The total cost of A2A visa change depending on where you are going to and the duration of the visa would be between:
30 days visa: AED 1500-2000
60-day visa: AED 1,800 - AED 2,400
Hints on Saving A2A Visa Change
Book Early: It is always advisable to book early as this will help you to get lower rates on flights.
Agency Comparison: Not every provider of A2A visa services will charge the same. It is always good to compare at least three and get the best deal.
Avoid Peak Times: You can travel during off-peak times or on weekdays to avoid paying the high airfare.
Select Proximity Destinations: Muscat is usually the cheapest and convenient A2A flight out of the UAE.
Conclusion
The A2A visa change offers a smart, convenient, and cost-effective way for visitors in the UAE to extend their stay or change their visa type without long disruptions. With a streamlined process, minimal travel, and the ability to re-enter the UAE the same day, it's no wonder why this method is a favorite among tourists and job seekers alike.
Understanding the full cost breakdown of the A2A visa change for UAE visitors helps you make well-informed decisions. From visa fees and flight tickets to agency charges and optional services, knowing what to expect in advance can help you budget your trip better. If you're considering the a2a visa change process, working with a trusted agency ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be sure to plan ahead, keep your documents ready, and make your visa extension stress-free.
