Everything to know about UAE’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
Eligibility, fees, application process and stay limits explained
DUBAI – Dubai has clarified the rules and requirements for the UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, giving international travellers greater flexibility to visit the country without requiring a sponsor or host.
The long-term visa is available to people of all nationalities and is designed for those who make regular trips to the UAE. It allows multiple entries over a five-year period while offering longer stays than standard tourist visas, making it suitable for tourists, frequent travellers, family visitors and business travellers.
Issued as a self-sponsored visa, it enables eligible visitors to enter and leave the UAE as often as required during its validity, subject to the approved stay limits.
Stay rules
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa remains valid for five years from the date of issue.
Visa holders can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days on each visit. If required, that stay can be extended for another 90 days.
However, travellers must ensure that the total time spent in the UAE does not exceed 180 days in a single year. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has advised visitors to monitor their travel movement records to avoid overstaying and any associated penalties.
Who can apply
The visa is open to all nationalities, with no requirement for a sponsor, employer or host in the UAE.
According to the GDRFA, the visa has been introduced to offer greater flexibility for people who regularly travel to the country, whether for tourism, visiting family members or business purposes.
Applicants must provide several supporting documents as part of the application, including:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent personal photograph
- Proof of valid health insurance
- A confirmed return or round-trip ticket
- Bank statements covering the previous six months
- Evidence of a minimum bank balance of $4,000, or the equivalent in another currency, during the previous six months
Application process
Applications can be submitted at any time through the UAE's official digital platforms and smart applications, which operate around the clock.
Those who prefer in-person services can also complete the process through Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres.
The application process involves selecting the required visa service, completing the application form, uploading all supporting documents and paying the applicable fees.
Fees and features
The total application cost is Dh3,713, covering visa fees, service charges and a refundable financial guarantee. The final amount may vary depending on an applicant's individual circumstances or any additional requirements.
The key features of the UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa include:
- Available to all nationalities
- No sponsor or host required
- Valid for five years
- Multiple entries throughout the visa's validity
- Stay for up to 90 days on each visit
- Option to extend each stay by another 90 days
- Maximum stay of 180 days in a year
- Minimum bank balance requirement of $4,000 over the previous six months
The GDRFA said the visa is intended to strengthen Dubai's position as a leading global destination by improving the visitor experience and encouraging repeat travel. The long-term entry permit is also expected to support continued growth across the UAE's tourism and hospitality sectors by making travel to the country more convenient for international visitors.