UAE’s five-year tourist visa offers long-term travel flexibility; applicants should understand the associated fees, necessary paperwork, eligibility conditions and common reasons that may result in application rejection.
UAE Five-Year Tourist Visa Guide: Application Costs, Required Documents and Reasons for Rejection.
The visa permits visitors to remain in the UAE for up to 90 days per entry, with the option to extend the stay for an additional three months.
UAE Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: A Complete Overview of Benefits, Purpose and Application Basics
The UAE has continued to strengthen its position as a destination that welcomes visitors, professionals and families from around the world. With a wide range of opportunities in areas such as tourism, employment, business and lifestyle, the country has introduced several visa options designed to make long-term stays more accessible.
Among the most popular options available to international visitors is the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. The permit provides greater flexibility for people who wish to visit the UAE regularly without needing to apply for a new visa every time they plan a trip.
Whether the purpose of travel is spending time with family, attending business meetings or enjoying personal visits, the long-term tourist visa offers a convenient solution for frequent travellers. Instead of completing the visa process repeatedly for each journey, eligible visitors can use the same permit for multiple entries over a five-year period.
The visa allows holders to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days during each entry. Under the applicable conditions, visitors may also extend their stay for an additional 90 days within a year, providing greater flexibility for those who require more time in the country.
One of the key features of this visa is that it is available to applicants from all nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s position as a global destination that attracts people from diverse backgrounds.
Supporting the UAE’s vision as a global destination
The introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visa was part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as an international hub for tourism, business and innovation.
The visa was approved in 2021 by the UAE Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The decision was aimed at enhancing the country’s appeal as a preferred destination for visitors and professionals from across the world.
The initiative was designed to make travel easier while supporting the UAE’s growing role as a centre for international connections. By offering longer-term access, the visa provides visitors with more confidence when planning future trips and maintaining connections within the country.
Alongside the multiple-entry tourist visa, the UAE Cabinet also approved a remote work visa during the same period. This option allows employees working for companies outside the UAE to live in the country while continuing their professional responsibilities remotely.
The introduction of these visa categories highlighted the UAE’s efforts to attract talent, encourage international mobility and create opportunities for people who want to experience life in the country.
Encouraging tourism and international connections
The five-year multiple-entry visa has become an important option for travellers who want more flexibility compared with traditional short-term visas. It supports visitors who may need to return to the UAE frequently for personal or professional reasons.
For families with relatives living in the UAE, the visa provides a simpler way to plan repeated visits. Instead of arranging a new permit before every trip, visitors can rely on a longer-term travel option.
Business travellers can also benefit from the flexibility offered by the visa, particularly those who need to attend meetings, events or maintain professional relationships in the UAE.
For tourists, the permit creates opportunities to explore more of what the country has to offer over multiple visits. Travellers can experience different destinations, cultural attractions and events without being limited to a single short stay.
Dubai’s initiatives to welcome visitors
The UAE’s efforts to attract visitors extend beyond visa policies. Dubai, in particular, continues to introduce programmes designed to strengthen tourism and encourage more people to experience the city.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism recently announced the launch of the “A Dubai Invite” initiative, which runs from July 20 to October 31, 2026.
The programme encourages UAE residents to invite family members and friends to visit Dubai. Residents who successfully nominate visitors and have their visits verified can access a selection of rewards.
These benefits include offers related to hotel stays, dining experiences and attractions across the city. The initiative aims to encourage residents to share Dubai’s experiences with visitors while supporting the tourism sector.
Such programmes reflect the UAE’s wider approach of creating opportunities for people to connect with the country, whether through tourism, business or personal relationships.
Understanding the five-year visa application process
While the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa provides significant flexibility, applicants must meet the required conditions and provide the necessary information when applying.
Travellers interested in obtaining the visa should ensure they understand the requirements before beginning the application process. This includes preparing the required documents and completing all necessary procedures through approved channels.
Applicants should also be aware of the applicable fees and conditions associated with the visa category. Requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances, and travellers should confirm the latest information before submitting their applications.
The long-term tourist visa is designed to make travel more convenient, but holders must continue to follow UAE entry regulations and comply with the permitted stay periods.
A flexible option for modern travellers
The popularity of the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa reflects changing travel patterns around the world. Many travellers now look for greater flexibility, especially when maintaining international family connections, managing business commitments or planning extended holidays.
By allowing multiple visits over several years, the UAE’s long-term visa option provides a practical alternative to repeated short-term applications.
The initiative also supports the country’s goal of creating an environment where visitors feel welcomed and connected. Through easier travel access, the UAE continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination where people can explore opportunities, build relationships and enjoy a high quality of life.
For those planning frequent visits, understanding the visa’s benefits, conditions and application requirements is an important first step. With the right preparation, the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers a convenient pathway for experiencing everything the UAE has to offer.
UAE Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: Key Conditions and Application Steps
Before submitting an application for the UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, applicants should ensure they meet all required conditions and have the necessary documents ready. Completing the requirements correctly can help prevent delays, rejection or issues during the application process.
The long-term tourist visa is designed to provide flexibility for international visitors, allowing them to enter the UAE multiple times over a five-year period. However, applicants must follow the official requirements and provide accurate information when applying.
Important requirements applicants should know
1. Valid passport and travel documents
Applicants must hold a passport or approved travel document that remains valid for at least six months from the date of application. The document should allow the traveller to enter the UAE and return to their country of residence or the country that issued the travel document.
Ensuring passport validity before applying is essential, as expired or insufficiently valid documents may affect the approval process.
2. Proof of onward or return travel
Applicants are required to provide evidence of a travel arrangement, such as a ticket showing their intention to continue their journey or leave the UAE after their permitted stay.
This requirement confirms that visitors have plans to depart the country according to the visa conditions.
3. Health insurance coverage
A valid health insurance policy issued in the UAE is also required as part of the application process. Applicants should ensure that their insurance meets the necessary conditions before submitting their visa request.
Health coverage helps ensure that visitors have access to appropriate medical support during their stay in the country.
4. Financial proof
Applicants must provide documents demonstrating financial capability. This includes evidence of maintaining a bank balance of $4,000, or its equivalent in another currency, during the six months before submitting the application.
The financial requirement helps confirm that visitors have sufficient resources to support themselves during their stay in the UAE.
5. Stay duration limits
Although the visa allows multiple entries over five years, visitors must follow the permitted stay periods. Applicants cannot remain in the UAE continuously for more than 90 days at a time.
The stay may be extended for another 90 days, provided the total period spent in the country does not exceed 180 days within a single year.
Travellers should carefully track their entry and exit dates to ensure they remain within the allowed limits.
6. Passport photograph
Applicants must submit a recent coloured passport-size photograph as part of their visa application documents.
The image should meet the required standards for official identification purposes.
7. Applications for children
For children below the age of 18, families may apply through the family visa process, allowing eligible dependents to travel under the applicable visa arrangements.
8. Additional identification documents for certain nationalities
Some applicants may need to provide additional identification documents depending on their nationality.
Required documents may include:
Iraqi Population Card for Iraqi nationals
Iranian Censenamah for Iranian nationals
Pakistani ID card for Pakistani nationals
Afghani ID card for Afghan nationals
Applicants from these countries should ensure that the relevant identification documents are included with their application to avoid delays.
How to apply for the UAE five-year multiple-entry visa
Visitors have several options available when applying for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Applications can be submitted through official digital platforms or through approved service centres.
Online applications are available through government digital channels, including the platforms operated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Applicants who prefer in-person services can also complete procedures through authorised customer happiness centres, typing centres and GDRFA service locations.
The visa application process is designed to be efficient, and applicants can generally expect the permit to be issued within up to 48 hours once all requirements have been completed and approved.
Applying through digital platforms
Applicants choosing the online method can follow a series of simple steps:
Step 1: Access the smart services system
Users must first log in to the relevant smart services platform using their UAE Pass account or registered username.
Step 2: Select the five-year visa service
After accessing the system, applicants should search for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa application option.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Applicants must enter the required personal details, travel information and other requested information accurately.
All details should be reviewed carefully before submission to ensure there are no errors that could delay processing.
Step 4: Submit payment
Once the application information has been completed, applicants must pay the required service fees to finalise their request.
After submission, the application will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. Applicants should ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded correctly and meet the required standards.
Preparing before submission
To make the application process smoother, travellers should prepare all required documents in advance. Having a valid passport, insurance coverage, financial documents and supporting identification ready can help reduce unnecessary delays.
Applicants should also review the latest requirements before applying, as visa rules, fees and procedures may be updated from time to time.
The UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa provides visitors with greater flexibility and convenience, but successful applications depend on meeting the required conditions and following the correct process.
By understanding the eligibility requirements and completing each step carefully, travellers can improve their chances of a smooth application experience and enjoy easier access to the UAE for multiple visits over several years.
UAE Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: Service Centres, Fees, Rules and Refund Process
Applicants who prefer completing their UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa application in person can visit approved service locations, including customer happiness centres, GDRFA centres and authorised typing centres.
The in-person process allows applicants to submit their requests with the required details and supporting documents while receiving assistance through official channels.
Applying through customer happiness, GDRFA or typing centres
Visitors who choose the offline application route can follow these steps:
Visit the nearest approved customer happiness centre, GDRFA location or typing centre.
Obtain an automated queue ticket and wait until their number is called.
Submit the completed application along with all required information and supporting documents.
Complete the payment of the applicable service charges.
Once the application is submitted and all requirements are fulfilled, the request will be reviewed by the relevant authorities.
Understanding visa fees
The total cost of applying for the UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa may vary depending on the platform used for submission. Different government channels have their own fee structures, which include application charges, issuance costs, deposits and service-related payments.
Fees through the ICP platform
Applicants submitting their request through the ICP website are required to pay a total fee of Dh3,775.
The payment breakdown includes:
Request fee: Dh100
Visa issuance fee: Dh500
Security deposit: Dh3,025
Electronic services charge: Dh28
ICP service fee: Dh22
Smart services fee: Dh100
These charges cover the different stages and services involved in processing the visa application.
Fees through the GDRFA platform
For applicants applying through the GDRFA website, the total cost is Dh3,713.50.
The fee structure includes:
Application charge: Dh100
Issuance fee: Dh500
Guarantee deposit: Dh3,000
Guarantee service charge: Dh21
Guarantee collection and return service fee: Dh20
Knowledge Dirham: Dh10
Innovation Dirham: Dh10
Service fee: Dh52.50
Applicants should ensure they review the latest charges before completing payment, as government fees and service costs may be updated.
Important rules after visa approval
Receiving the visa does not mean visitors can stay without restrictions. Visa holders must follow specific conditions to maintain the validity of their permit and avoid penalties.
One of the key requirements is that the holder must enter the UAE within 60 days from the date the visa is issued. Failure to enter within this timeframe may affect the validity of the visa.
The five-year tourist visa allows multiple entries, meaning visitors can travel to and from the UAE several times during the validity period. However, each stay must remain within the permitted limits.
Visa holders cannot stay in the UAE for more than 90 days during a year. The yearly calculation begins from the date of the first entry into the country, rather than from the start of the calendar year or the date the visa was issued.
Visitors may extend their stay for an additional period equal to the original stay duration, provided that the total time spent in the UAE does not exceed 180 days within one year.
Tracking used visa days
Travellers should keep track of how many days they have spent inside the UAE to avoid exceeding the allowed limit.
If a visitor needs confirmation of their entry and exit records, they or an authorised representative can request a travel report. This document provides details of movement in and out of the country and helps calculate the remaining permitted stay period.
Unused days cannot be transferred
If a visa holder does not use the full 90-day allowance during a year, the remaining days cannot be carried forward into the following year.
Visitors must follow the annual stay limits and cannot accumulate unused days for future travel.
Consequences of exceeding stay limits
The visa may become invalid if the holder violates the approved stay conditions. In such cases, applicants may not be eligible for refunds.
Any penalties or applicable fines resulting from violations must be settled according to UAE regulations. Financial guarantees may also be affected if the visa conditions are breached.
Reasons a visa application may be rejected
While many applications are successfully processed, some requests may be rejected if applicants fail to complete the required procedures or provide accurate documentation.
An application may be automatically cancelled or rejected if the required information is not completed within 30 days after it is returned for correction.
Applications may also face rejection if they are returned multiple times due to missing details or incomplete documents. In cases where additional information is requested, applicants should respond promptly to avoid delays or refusal.
If the application does not meet the required conditions, authorities generally provide a reason for rejection. However, if no specific reason is mentioned, the relevant authority may choose not to disclose further details.
Refund process for rejected or cancelled applications
Unlike some visa categories where application charges are not refundable, the UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa system provides refund options in certain situations, including rejection, cancellation or visa expiry.
If an application is refused, eligible applicants may receive refunds for certain payments, including issuance charges, health insurance costs and financial deposits.
Refunds are generally processed through the same credit card used for the original payment. Applications for refunds must usually be submitted within 180 days from the date the main application was filed.
Where refund conditions are met, applicants may also request payment through a cheque or bank transfer to a UAE-based bank account.
If more than 180 days have passed since the original application submission date, refunds may only be processed through cheque or bank transfer within the UAE. Such refund claims remain available for up to five years from the date the applicant becomes eligible for repayment.
Financial deposits and rule compliance
Applicants should remember that financial deposits are linked to compliance with visa conditions. If visitors violate entry or stay requirements, the deposit may be used according to the applicable regulations.
Following the visa rules, maintaining accurate travel records and ensuring compliance with permitted stay periods are essential for avoiding penalties and protecting eligibility for future applications.
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa provides significant flexibility for international visitors, but understanding the requirements, costs and responsibilities after approval is important for a smooth travel experience in the UAE.
