Everything to know about the UAE’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: Fees, documents and eligibility

Holders can stay in the UAE for 90 days per visit, with the option to extend their stay by another 90 days.

When it comes to offering opportunities for people to build a better life, the UAE has established itself as a destination known for its accessible visa options, career opportunities, and lifestyle offerings. Among the most sought-after permits for visitors is the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.

Whether for family visits, business trips, or personal travel, the visa allows travellers to enter the UAE multiple times over a five-year period, with stays of up to 90 days per entry, without the need to apply for a new visa each time.

The visa allows visitors to stay for three months on each entry and can be extended for an additional 90 days within the same year. Reflecting the UAE’s position as a global hub of diversity, the permit is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Initially 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 five-year multiple-entry visa was introduced as part of efforts to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading destination for tourism, business, and global talent.

At the same meeting, the Cabinet also approved a remote work visa, allowing employees from around the world to live in the UAE while working remotely for a period of one year.

These initiatives are part of the UAE’s wider efforts to attract visitors, talent, and investors by creating opportunities for people to live, work, and grow in the country while contributing to its continued development.

Recently, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism launched ‘A Dubai Invite’, running from July 20 to October 31, 2026. Under the initiative, residents who successfully nominate family members or friends and confirm their visit can access a range of rewards, including hotel stays, restaurant offers, and experiences at some of Dubai’s leading attractions.

From application fees to essential requirements, here is a complete guide to applying for the UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.

Basic requirements before applying

To avoid delays, rejection, or potential legal issues, applicants should ensure they meet the following requirements before submitting their application:

1. The applicant’s passport or travel document must be valid for at least six months and allow entry into the UAE, as well as return to the country of residence or the country that issued the document.
2. The applicant must hold a valid travel ticket for onward travel or departure from the UAE.
3. The applicant must have valid health insurance coverage in the UAE.
4. The applicant must provide proof of a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies during the six months before submitting the application.
5. The applicant may stay in the UAE for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. This period can be extended for a similar duration, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days in a year.
6. The applicant must submit a recent coloured passport-size photograph.
7. A family visa application can be submitted for children under 18 years of age.
8. Applicants of certain nationalities may also be required to provide additional identification documents, including the Iraqi Population Card, Iranian Censenamah, Pakistani ID card, or Afghan ID card.

How to apply for the five-year multiple-entry visa

Applicants can submit their applications through several channels, including the websites of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), as well as customer happiness centres, typing centres, and GDRFA service centres.

Visa processing can take up to 48 hours through all available channels.

Digital channels

1. Log in to the smart services platform using UAE Pass or a registered username.
2. Search for the five-year multiple-entry visa application.
3. Complete the required application details.
4. Pay the applicable service fees.

Customer happiness, GDRFA, and typing centres

1. Visit the nearest service centre.
2. Take an automated queue ticket and wait for your turn.
3. Submit the completed application along with the required documents.
4. Pay the service fees.

Fees explained

The total application cost may vary depending on the platform used.

ICP application

Applicants applying through the ICP website pay Dh3,775, including:

• Request fee: Dh100
• Issuance fee: Dh500
• Security deposit: Dh3,025
• E-services fee: Dh28
• ICP fee: Dh22
• Smart services fee: Dh100

GDRFA application

Applicants applying through the GDRFA website pay Dh3,713.50, including:

• Application fee: Dh100
• Issuance fee: Dh500
• Guarantee amount: Dh3,000
• Warranty service fee: Dh21
• Guarantee collection and return fee: Dh20
• Knowledge Dirham: Dh10
• Innovation Dirham: Dh10
• Service fee: Dh52.50

Important guidelines after visa issuance

To avoid penalties or future application issues, visa holders should follow these rules:

• The visa holder must enter the UAE within 60 days of the visa issuance date.
• The 90-day stay limit is calculated from the date of first entry into the UAE, not from the beginning of the calendar year or visa issuance date.
• Multiple entries are permitted, provided the total stay does not exceed the allowed duration.
• The stay period may be extended for an additional 90 days, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days per year.
• Unused days from one year cannot be carried forward to the following year.
• The visa may become invalid, with no refund issued, if the holder exceeds the permitted stay duration.
• Visa holders can request a travel report to track their entry and exit records.

Why applications may be rejected

Applications may be automatically rejected if required information is not completed within 30 days of the application being returned, or if the application is returned three times due to missing details or incomplete documentation.

Authorities generally provide a reason for rejection when eligibility conditions are not met. However, in cases where no reason is stated, the authority may choose not to disclose further details.

Any fines resulting from violations must be settled at the departure point, and financial security deposits may be forfeited.

Refund of financial deposits

Unlike many visa applications where fees are non-refundable, the five-year multiple-entry visa allows refunds in cases of rejection, cancellation, or expiry.

If an application is rejected, applicants may receive refunds for issuance fees, health insurance fees, and paid financial deposits.

Refunds are processed through the credit card used for payment within 180 days from the date of the main application submission. Where eligible, applicants may also request refunds through cheque or bank transfer to UAE-based banks.

For applications submitted more than 180 days earlier, refunds can only be processed through cheque or bank transfer to UAE-based banks and remain available for up to five years from the refund entitlement date.

Financial deposits may be directly deducted if visa holders breach entry or stay regulations in the UAE.