What happened?
The UAE continues to offer its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing eligible travellers to enter the country multiple times without requiring a UAE-based sponsor.
Who is affected?
International tourists, business travellers, frequent visitors, and people with family and friends living in the UAE.
Why does it matter?
The visa reduces the need for repeated visa applications, offers greater travel flexibility, and supports the UAE’s tourism and business sectors.
Travellers planning frequent trips to the UAE can apply for the UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, a long-term visa that allows multiple visits without the need for a local sponsor. Introduced by the UAE government to strengthen tourism and make travel more convenient, the visa is open to applicants from all nationalities, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the visa offers greater flexibility for tourists, business travellers and those visiting family and friends across the Emirates.
Who can apply for the UAE’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa?
One of the biggest advantages of this visa is that it is not limited to specific nationalities. According to the UAE Government and ICP, anyone can apply if they satisfy the required financial and documentation criteria.
Unlike many visit visas, applicants do not need:
- A UAE sponsor
- A local guarantor
- A hotel or airline sponsorship
- A UAE employer to submit the application
This makes the visa particularly attractive for people who regularly travel to Dubai and the UAE for leisure, meetings, exhibitions, investment opportunities or family visits.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of strengthening its position as a global tourism and business destination by making international travel easier.
How long can visitors stay in the UAE?
Although the visa remains valid for five years, there are limits on how long visitors can remain in the country during each trip.
Under the current regulations:
- Visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit
- The stay may be extended for another 90 days, subject to approval
- The total stay must not exceed 180 days in a calendar year
These rules allow travellers to make multiple trips throughout the year without repeatedly applying for new visas while ensuring compliance with UAE immigration regulations.
What documents are required?
Applicants must prepare several documents before submitting their application.
These include:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-sized colour photograph
- A six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent)
- Valid UAE health insurance
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
Government authorities may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s nationality or individual circumstances.
Applicants should ensure that all submitted documents are valid and accurate to help avoid processing delays.
How much does the visa cost, and where can you apply?
Applications can be submitted online through the official government platforms, including the ICP Smart Services portal, the ICP Smart App, the GDRFA Smart Services portal for Dubai, and authorised Amer Service Centres.
The official government charges include:
- Visa application fee
- Visa issuance fee
- Smart services fee
- Knowledge and innovation fees
- A refundable financial guarantee
The estimated total application and issuance cost is around AED 3,713.50, although the final amount may differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances and additional service charges.
The refundable financial guarantee is returned once the visa is cancelled or the visitor exits the UAE in accordance with immigration rules.
Processing times may vary depending on the application and document verification.
Why is the UAE promoting long-term tourist visas?
The UAE has continued introducing visitor-friendly visa reforms as part of its long-term economic and tourism strategy.
Long-term tourist visas help:
- Encourage repeat tourism
- Support international business travel
- Make it easier for families to stay connected
- Boost spending across hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail
- Strengthen Dubai and the UAE’s position as a global travel hub
The country has also expanded several residency and entry permit options in recent years, including the Golden Visa, Green Visa and flexible entry permits for entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and investors.
Together, these initiatives support the UAE’s ambition to attract talent, investment and international visitors while diversifying its economy beyond oil.
Why It Matters
The UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers practical benefits for travellers who regularly visit the country.
It means:
- Frequent travellers no longer need to apply for a new tourist visa before every trip.
- Families with relatives living in the UAE can visit more conveniently.
- Business professionals attending meetings, exhibitions, and conferences enjoy greater travel flexibility.
- The tourism sector benefits from increased repeat visitors and longer visitor stays.
As Dubai continues to host major global events and the UAE expands its tourism offerings, flexible visa options are expected to play an important role in attracting international visitors.
FAQs
Who can apply for the UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa?
Applicants from all nationalities can apply if they meet the financial and documentation requirements set by the UAE authorities.
Do I need a UAE sponsor?
No. One of the key benefits of this visa is that applicants do not require a local sponsor or guarantor.
How long can I stay during each visit?
Visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend for another 90 days, subject to approval. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
What is the minimum financial requirement?
Applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent in another currency.
Where can I submit my application?
Applications can be made through the official ICP Smart Services platform, ICP Smart App, GDRFA Smart Services portal for Dubai, or authorised Amer Service Centres.
The UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers a convenient option for travellers who regularly visit the country for tourism, business or family reasons. With no local sponsor required, multiple entries over five years and generous stay periods, the visa provides greater flexibility while supporting the UAE’s growing tourism and business sectors.
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