As a tourist hub, the UAE sees an influx of tourists year-round. Having said that, if you are a frequent traveller, it can be time-consuming to get visa approvals every few months. To facilitate the tourists, the government has introduced a 5-year UAE multiple entry visa.
With this visa, you can enter the Emirates without a local sponsor and enjoy a stay up to 90 days. But what is the eligibility criteria and how can you apply for this visa? Read ahead to navigate the visa process with confidence.
- Overview
- Terms and Conditions of 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
- Required Documents
- How to Apply for a 5-Year UAE Multiple Entry Visa
- FAQs
Overview of UAE Multiple Entry Visa
The UAE Government promotes tourism by introducing new initiatives and the 5-year multiple entry visa is a similar addition. Visa holders can travel to the Emirates multiple times within 5 years and enjoy a stay for up to 90 days. Additionally, the stay duration can be exceeded to 180 days. The best thing about this visa is that it eliminates the need for a local sponsor.
Terms and Conditions of 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
Applicants must abide by the following terms and conditions before and after a visa application:
Before Visa Issuance
- Must have a bank statement for the last six months with at least USD 4,000 or equivalent balance.
- A health insurance valid for 180 days.
- For children under 18, a family visa application is mandatory.
After Visa Issuance
- Entering the UAE within 60 days of visa issuance is mandatory.
- Visa holders can enjoy multiple entries in 5 years, provided stay duration does not exceed 90 days per entry.
- The maximum stay duration is 90 days in a calendar year beginning from the visa issuance date. However, this duration can be extended for a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Any remaining days from the 90 days are carried forward to the next year.
- Overstays in the country lead to visa invalidation and financial penalties.
Required Documents
Gather the following documents before proceeding with the application:
- Photograph
- A passport valid for a minimum of six months
- Last six months’ bank statement
- Health insurance applicable in the UAE
- Round-trip tickets
- Accommodation proof in the UAE, such as a hotel booking
- Other optional documents such as Iraqi, Pakistani or Afghan ID Card
How to Apply for a 5-Year UAE Multiple Entry Visa
Easily apply for a UAE multiple entry visa through ICP or GDRFA digital channels or service centres. Here is how you can submit your visa application:
Via GDRFA
GDRFA accepts visa applications in Dubai through its website, mobile application and service centres. Let’s look at the visa application process:
1. Digital Channels
- Visit GDRFA’s official website or download the DubaiNow smart application (Play Store | App Store).
- Sign up and log in to the portal using UAE Pass or registered username and password.
- Search for a 5-year UAE multiple entry tourist visa.
- Fill out the application form and attach the relevant documents.
- Pay the required fee.
2. Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Service Centre
- Visit the nearest customer happiness centre or Amer service centre.
- Get your queue ticket and wait for your turn.
- On your turn, go to the service counter.
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
Via ICP
Applicants can also use the ICP website for a UAE multiple entry visa application. Follow these steps for a seamless application:
1. Digital Channels
- Visit the ICP official website or download the mobile application (Play Store | App Store).
- Sign up and log in using the UAE Pass or registered username and password.
- Search for a UAE 5-year multiple entry tourist visa.
- Start the service and enter the required details.
- Attach the relevant documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
2. Customer Happiness Centre or Typing Centre
- Go to the nearest customer happiness centre or typing centre.
- Get an automated ticket.
- Head to the service counter.
- Apply along with the documents.
- Pay the required fee.
Processing Time
Typically, a multiple entry visa is issued within 48 working hours.
Visa Fee
The service fee depends on the medium of application and visa duration. Here is a breakdown of the service fee for visa application:
Via GDRFA
- Visa Fee (including 5% VAT):
- 30-day: AED 300
- 60-day: AED 500
- 90-day: AED 700
- Financial Guarantee:
- Guarantee Amount: AED 2,000
- Warranty Service Fee: AED 20
- Fee for Guarantee Collection and Return: AED 40
- Health Insurance:
- 30-day: AED 40
- 60-day: AED 60
- 90-day: AED 90
Via ICP
- Request Fee: AED 100
- Issue Fee: AED 500
- Security Deposit: AED 3,025
- E-Services Fee: AED 28
- ICP Fee: AED 22
- Smart Services Fee: AED 100
FAQs
Applicants can apply online using the GDRFA or ICP website or mobile applications. Visit the website, fill out the application form, attach the required documents and submit it. After the necessary approvals, the visa will be issued within two days.
No, it is illegal to search for a job on a tourist visa. If you want to explore job opportunities, you can apply for a job seeker visa in the UAE.
A multiple entry visa is valid for 5 years and holders can enjoy stays for up to 90 days. In total, the stay duration must not exceed 180 days per year.
The 5-year UAE multiple entry visa facilitates frequent travellers. Enjoy multiple visits, skip the hassle of visa applications and stay for up to 90 days with this long-term visa!
If you want to stay for longer periods, you can apply for a residence visa in the UAE. Stay tuned to the Property Finder blog for more visa-related guides.
