The UAE has outlined key details of its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, making it easier for frequent visitors to plan long-term travel. The visa allows eligible travellers to stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend under specific conditions. Authorities have also clarified the application process, fees, eligibility requirements and reasons applications may be rejected. The initiative supports the UAE’s goal of attracting more tourists while simplifying repeat visits.
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Planning More UAE Trips? Here’s Everything to Know About the 5-Year Tourist Visa
The UAE has once again highlighted the benefits of its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, offering travellers a convenient way to visit the country without applying for a new visa before every trip. Available to eligible applicants of all nationalities, the visa is ideal for those visiting family, travelling for business or planning regular holidays.
Introduced by the UAE Cabinet in 2021, the long-term visa was launched to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, encourage repeat visits and make travel to the UAE more convenient for international visitors.
A Flexible Visa for Frequent Visitors
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows holders to enter the UAE several times during its validity. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days on each trip , with the option to extend their stay for another 90 days, provided the total time spen t in the country does not exceed 180 days within a year .
Unlike many short-term visit visas , this permit allows frequent travellers to avoid submitting a fresh visa application before every visit.
Documents You’ll Need Before Applying
Applicants must meet a number of requirements before submitting their visa application. These include a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, valid health insurance in the UAE, a recent passport-sized photograph and proof of a bank balance of at least $4,000 (or its equivalent) maintained during the previous six months.Some nationalities may also need to submit a national identity card along with the required documents.
Application Process and Fees Explained
Applications can be submitted through the ICP and GDRFA online platforms or by visiting authorised Customer Happiness Centres and typing centres across the UAE. In most cases, visa applications are processed within 48 hours.
The total application fee is AED 3,775 through the ICP platform and AED 3,713.50 through GDRFA, with the charges covering the application, visa issuance, service fees and a refundable security deposit.
What Can Lead to a Visa Rejection?
Authorities say incomplete applications remain one of the main reasons for rejection. Applications may be automatically cancelled if applicants fail to provide the requested information within 30 days or if the application is returned three times because of missing or incomplete documents .
Although applicants are usually informed about the reason for rejection, immigration authorities may choose not to disclose it in certain cases.
Rules to Follow After Approval
Once the visa is issued, travellers must enter the UAE within 60 days. They should also ensure they do not exceed the permitted stay, as overstaying can result in fines, forfeiture of the refundable security deposit and possible difficulties with future visa applications.
Applicants whose visas are rejected or cancelled before approval may be eligible for refunds of certain fees, including the refundable security deposit, in accordance with the official policy.
What This Means for Travellers
The UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa continues to offer a practical option for people who travel to the country regularly. By simplifying repeat visits while maintaining clear eligibility and stay requirements, the programme reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism, support international mobility and provide a smoother travel experience for visitors worldwide.
