UAE 5-year tourist visa explained: Stay up to 180 days a year

UAE Introduces Clear Guidelines for 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for All Nationalities

Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has outlined the eligibility requirements for the UAE’s 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa, available to travellers of all nationalities.

This self-sponsored visa allows visitors to enter and leave the UAE multiple times over a five-year period without requiring a local sponsor or host.

Visa holders can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend their stay by an additional 90 days, subject to the applicable regulations. However, the total duration of stay must not exceed 180 days within a single calendar year.

The visa is designed to make travel to the UAE more convenient for frequent visitors, offering greater flexibility for tourism, family visits, and short-term business travel.

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The 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is ideal for travellers who visit the UAE frequently. It offers a convenient long-term travel solution for tourists, business professionals, and those visiting family and friends, providing the flexibility to make multiple trips without applying for a new visa each time.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa, applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, valid health insurance covering their stay, a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, and bank statements from the last six months. In addition, applicants must show proof of a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) maintained during the six months prior to submitting the application.

How to apply

Applicants can apply for the UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa through the country’s official online portals and smart applications, which are accessible 24/7. Those who prefer in-person assistance can also submit their applications at Customer Happiness Centres or Amer Service Centres.

The application process is straightforward: choose the required visa service, complete the online application form, upload all necessary supporting documents, and pay the applicable government fees to complete the submission.

Fees and stay rules

The estimated cost of the UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is AED 3,713, which covers the visa fee, service charges, and a refundable security deposit. The final amount may vary depending on the applicant’s profile and any additional services or requirements.

Visa holders must ensure they comply with the permitted duration of stay in the UAE. To avoid overstay fines or penalties, travellers are advised to regularly check their travel history and entry/exit records through the official travel movement report.

Key features

• Open to applicants of all nationalities
• No local sponsor or host is required
• Valid for five years from the date of issue
• Allows unlimited multiple entries during the visa’s validity
• Stay in the UAE for up to 90 days per visit
• Option to extend each stay by an additional 90 days, subject to approval
• Total stay must not exceed 180 days in a calendar year
• Applicants must maintain a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) during the six months before applying

The 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa reflects the UAE’s commitment to making travel more convenient for international visitors. By offering greater flexibility for frequent travellers, business visitors, and families, the visa is expected to strengthen the country’s tourism industry, encourage repeat visits, and support long-term growth across the travel, hospitality, and service sectors.