The UAE offers one of the most flexible long-term tourist visa options in the world and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has now fully broken down how it works. The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is open to all nationalities and requires no sponsor or host. It enables visitors to enter and exit the UAE as many times as they want during the five-year validity period. Here’s everything you need to know, from eligibility to fees and applying.
What the Visa Permits
This is a self-sponsored, multiple entry visa for a duration of five years. Which means you don’t need a sponsor in the UAE, whether that be a resident, employer or company. You apply for yourself. Upon approval the visa is valid for a full 5 years. You are free to come and go from the UAE as often as you wish during this period. You can stay for up to 90 days on each trip. If you want more time you can extend that stay by another 90 days — for a total of 180 days on any single visit. There is, however, a significant annual limit. The total number of days that you spend in the UAE shall not exceed 180 days in any calendar year. Travelers are responsible for documenting their own entry and exit dates. To keep track of your travel movement record you can just log on to the official GDRFA portal or use the smart app to ensure you do not cross the allowed limit. If you receive calls from unknown numbers about your visa status or visa services, do not disclose your personal information without checking them first – use the Who Called Me From This Number UAE tool to know the caller before responding.
Who Can Use This Visa?
The five-year tourist visa is aimed at those who travel to the UAE frequently and need more flexibility than a typical short-term tourist visa offers. The GDRFA Dubai said this visa is best suited for tourists, frequent travellers, family visitors and business travellers who visit the UAE a number of times in a year. It means you don’t have to go through the process of applying for a new visa every time you visit, which is much more convenient for people who have ongoing links with the country. This visa is available for people of all nationalities in the UAE, thus making it one of the most inclusive visa categories.
What You Need to Bring
You will need to prepare the following documents to apply for the five year tourist visa. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity. You will need a recent passport-style photo with a white background. You need to have a valid health insurance for the duration of your stay in the UAE. You must have a round-trip flight ticket to show your intention to enter and exit the UAE. Finally, you will need to show six months of bank statements to show your financial history. You need to have at least $4,000 or equivalent in any other currency in your bank account for the six months preceding the date of application. The financial requirement is to prove you are able to financially support yourself during your stay in the UAE without having to work. It is easy to manage your own bank account for this requirement – a quick FAB Balance Check Online lets you check your balance instantly before preparing your documents.
Application and Price
The application process is 100% digital and available 24/7. Applications can be submitted via the UAE’s official digital platforms and smart applications including the GDRFA Dubai app. You can also submit your application in person at any Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Service Centre across the UAE. The steps are easy. Choose the five year multiple entry tourist visa from the list of services. Fill out the online application form with your details. Upload your supporting documents – passport, photo, insurance, ticket, bank statements. Submit . 3 . Pay the appropriate fees . The total cost of the visa is Dh 3,713. The fee includes the visa fee, service charges and a refundable financial guarantee. Depending on individual circumstances, or if there are additional requirements that apply to your specific case, the final cost might be slightly different. The visa is then issued electronically and sent straight to the email address you gave on your application. If you are relocating to Dubai and need to send parcels to a new address in the industrial area, having the right address details helps. The Dip 1 Postal Code guide gives you everything you need for accurate deliveries in that part of Dubai.
Important rules to remember
Ensure that you are aware of the restrictions on your stay before applying. The visa is valid for up to 90 days per visit but can be extended for up to 180 days if needed. However, you cannot stay in the UAE for more than 180 days in a year. You could be fined for overstaying your visa and it may affect any future visa applications. GDRFA Dubai suggests that you should check your travel movement report on the official app or portal on a regular basis to keep a record of your days. The five-year tourist visa clearly shows the UAE’s desire to attract more long-term visitors, promote repeat tourism and grow the country’s stature as one of the world’s most welcoming travel destinations.
For more UAE visa guides and useful tips about life in UAE, visit Ever List.
