UAE details full requirements for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa

GDRFA Dubai has clarified the eligibility criteria, fees, and stay rules for the self-sponsored visa, first introduced in 2021, which requires no host or sponsor

The UAE has laid out the full set of requirements for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, giving frequent visitors a clear picture of what they need to qualify, how much it costs, and how long they can stay. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) published the details on July 16, 2026, according to Gulf News.

The visa is open to all nationalities and is entirely self-sponsored, meaning applicants do not need a UAE-based host, employer, or travel agency to vouch for them. It is designed for tourists, business travelers, and people with family in the UAE who want the flexibility to come and go over a five-year period without reapplying each time.

Before this visa was introduced during a Cabinet session on March 21, 2021, travelers visiting the UAE were limited to 30-day or 90-day single-entry tourist visas that required a fresh application for every trip. The five-year option eliminated that cycle for frequent visitors, though GDRFA's latest release is the most comprehensive public breakdown of exactly what is needed to apply.

How long can I stay in the UAE on the five-year visa?

If you hold the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, you can stay in the UAE for up to 90 consecutive days on each visit. That 90-day period can be extended once for an additional 90 days, but the total time you spend in the country across all visits cannot exceed 180 days in any single year. The annual clock resets based on your date of first entry using the visa.

If you overstay, you will face fines collected at the point of departure, and the refundable financial guarantee included in your application fee will be confiscated in line with UAE immigration regulations.

GDRFA recommends that visa holders monitor their entry and exit records through a travel movement report to keep track of how many days they have used and avoid tripping the 180-day limit.

What do I need to apply?

If you want to apply for the five-year visa, you must provide your passport (good for at least another six months), a current photo, proof that you have health coverage in the UAE, a booked flight home, and six months' worth of bank records demonstrating you have held at least $4,000 or the equivalent throughout that period.

The $4,000 threshold is not a one-time snapshot. GDRFA requires that the balance be maintained across the full six-month period leading up to the application, so applicants whose accounts dipped below that level during the window may not qualify.

How much does it cost?

If you are applying for the five-year visa, the total cost comes to Dh 3,713 (US$1,011), which bundles together the visa issuance fee, service charges, and a refundable financial guarantee. GDRFA has noted that the final bill could shift slightly based on the applicant's specific situation or if extra steps are needed during review.

How do I apply?

If you are outside the UAE, you can submit your application through GDRFA's official website at gdrfad.gov.ae or through the GDRFA mobile app. The platforms are available around the clock. If you are already in the UAE, you can also apply in person at a Customer Happiness Center or an Amer Service Center.

The process involves creating an account, selecting the five-year tourism entry permit, filling in your passport and contact details, uploading the required documents, and paying the fees. Once submitted, you receive a reference number to track your application. GDRFA typically processes applications within 48 hours and notifies applicants by email whether their visa has been approved.

Is this visa available for other emirates besides Dubai?

If you are applying through Dubai, the process runs through GDRFA Dubai at gdrfad.gov.ae. If you want to apply through one of the other six emirates, the application is handled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) through its portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. The visa terms are the same regardless of which emirate processes the application.