The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has clarified the requirements and rules for the UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, which allows visitors of all nationalities to enter the country multiple times without requiring a sponsor or host.
The self-sponsored visa is designed for travellers who want greater flexibility when visiting the UAE and is suitable for tourists, frequent visitors, family travellers and business travellers who regularly come to the country.
What is the visa?
The UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for five years and allows holders to enter and leave the country multiple times during the visa validity period.
Visitors can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days during each visit. The stay can be extended for another 90 days, but the total period spent in the country must not exceed 180 days within a year.
Unlike some other visa categories, applicants do not need a sponsor or a host in the UAE, as the visa is issued on a self-sponsored basis.
Who can apply?
The visa is available to applicants of all nationalities who meet the required conditions.
It is aimed at:
- Tourists planning multiple visits to the UAE
- Frequent travellers who need longer-term entry flexibility
- People visiting family members in the country
- Business travellers who regularly visit the UAE
The visa provides an alternative to applying for a new tourist visa for every visit.
Required documents
Applicants must provide the required supporting documents as part of the application process.
The requirements include:
- A valid passport
- A recent photograph
- Valid health insurance
- A return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Bank statements showing a minimum balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies during the six months before applying
Applicants must demonstrate that they maintained the required bank balance during the six months preceding the visa application.
How to apply
Applications for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa can be submitted through the UAE’s official digital platforms and smart applications, which are available 24 hours a day.
Applicants can also complete the process through Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres.
The application process includes:
- Selecting the required visa service
- Completing the application form
- Uploading the required supporting documents
- Paying the applicable fees
Applicants should ensure that all information and documents submitted are accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Fees and costs
The total application cost for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is Dhs3,713, including visa fees, service charges and a refundable financial guarantee.
The final amount may vary depending on individual circumstances and any additional requirements linked to the application.
Stay rules and monitoring
Visa holders are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed the permitted stay period.
Travellers can monitor their entry and exit records through a travel movement report to keep track of their stay and avoid penalties related to overstaying.
The visa allows:
- A maximum stay of 90 days per visit
- An extension of 90 additional days
- A total maximum stay of 180 days in one year
Key features
The UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers the following benefits:
- Available to all nationalities
- No sponsor or host required
- Valid for five years
- Multiple entries allowed during the visa validity period
- Stay of up to 90 days per visit
- Extension option for an additional 90 days
- Maximum stay limit of 180 days per year
- Minimum bank balance requirement of $4,000 during the previous six months
Supporting tourism growth
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is part of the UAE’s efforts to make travel more convenient for international visitors and support the growth of the tourism sector.
The visa is expected to encourage repeat visits, attract more international travellers and support continued activity in the travel and hospitality industries.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
