The UAE five-year tourist visa is designed for eligible frequent travellers who need multiple entries.
Applicants of all nationalities may apply for the UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa. It is self-sponsored, valid for five years and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, subject to a maximum of 180 days in one year. Applicants need evidence of at least USD 4,000 or equivalent. Final approval remains subject to UAE immigration review.
The UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa can be useful for frequent tourists, people who regularly visit relatives, business travellers and visitors who make several short trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other Emirates. Instead of arranging a separate short-term visa before every journey, an approved holder can use the same visa for multiple entries during its validity.
However, this is a tourist visa—not a residence permit—and it does not provide an automatic right to remain in the country for five years. Every visit must stay within the permitted duration, and every application is assessed individually by the relevant UAE immigration authority.
What Is the UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa?
It is a long-validity tourist entry visa that can allow the holder to enter and leave the UAE several times during a five-year period. Unlike many short tourist visas, this category is self-sponsored, so the applicant does not need a UAE resident, company or hotel to act as the host or guarantor for the five-year visa application.
The visa is aimed at people who need greater travel flexibility. It may reduce repeated paperwork for eligible travellers, but the holder must still comply with entry rules, passport validity, insurance requirements and the permitted length of stay on every trip.
Is the UAE 5-Year Visa Really Available to All Nationalities?
Yes. The visa category may be issued to applicants of all nationalities. This means the category is not limited to a small nationality list. It does not mean that every person who submits an application will receive approval.
There are three separate questions: whether a person is allowed to apply, whether the submitted documents meet the requirements and whether immigration grants final approval. Nationality, travel history, immigration records, document quality, security checks and the applicant’s circumstances may be considered during the review.
Who Is This Visa Best For?
The visa may be suitable for eligible people who expect to travel to the UAE several times rather than make only one short visit. Common examples include:
- Frequent UAE tourists who visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates.
- Parents or relatives who make repeated family visits.
- Business visitors attending meetings, trade shows or exhibitions.
- Property owners who do not hold a UAE residence visa.
- Travellers attending recurring events, conferences or medical appointments.
- People who regularly use the UAE as part of regional travel plans.
Being part of one of these groups does not create automatic eligibility. The applicant must still provide the required passport, insurance, travel and financial evidence.
Applicants should prepare passport, insurance, travel and financial evidence before submitting an application.
UAE 5-Year Visa Requirements
Prepare clear and valid documents before starting the application. Immigration may ask for additional evidence depending on the applicant or application channel.
- Recent passport-style personal photograph.
- Passport or accepted travel document valid for at least six months.
- Six months of clear and authentic bank statements.
- Evidence of at least USD 4,000 or equivalent during the relevant six-month period.
- Health insurance valid in the UAE.
- Return or onward travel ticket showing plans to leave the country.
- Accurate personal, contact and travel information.
- Any additional document requested during immigration review.
| Requirement | What to prepare | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Clear copy of a passport valid for at least six months. | The document must allow travel and return to the relevant country. |
| Photograph | A recent personal photo that meets the application specifications. | Avoid old, edited or unclear images. |
| Bank evidence | Six months of bank statements showing at least USD 4,000 or equivalent. | The final assessment is made by immigration. |
| Health insurance | A policy valid in the UAE for the intended travel. | Coverage and validity should match the application requirements. |
| Travel ticket | Return ticket, onward ticket or evidence of plans to leave the UAE. | Travel details should be consistent with the application. |
| Additional evidence | Any further information requested by the authority. | Respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delay. |
How Does the USD 4,000 Bank-Balance Rule Work?
The applicant must provide documentation showing a bank balance of at least USD 4,000, or the equivalent in another currency, during the six months before submitting the application. The authority may review the statements as evidence that the applicant can support the planned trips.
Use authentic, readable statements that clearly show the account holder’s name, dates and balances. A sudden unexplained deposit may not provide the same picture as funds maintained over time. Meeting the financial threshold does not guarantee approval, and currency equivalents can change with exchange rates.
Stay Rules: 90 Days Per Visit and 180 Days Per Year
A visa holder may remain in the UAE for up to 90 continuous days during a visit. The stay may be extended for a similar period, subject to the applicable process and authority approval, but the total time spent in the country must not exceed 180 days within one year.
A traveller who stays for 60 days on the first visit and 30 days on a second visit has used 90 days. Further travel during the same year must remain within the total 180-day annual limit.
Travellers should monitor their entry and exit records rather than estimating the remaining days from memory. Where necessary, the holder or representative can request an official travel-movement report to compare recorded entries and exits with the permitted duration.
UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa Fees
The following amounts are listed for the GDRFA Dubai five-year multiple-entry tourist visa service. The AED 3,000 amount is a financial guarantee, not the basic visa issuance fee alone.
| Fee item | Listed amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 100 |
| Issuance fee | AED 500 |
| Financial guarantee | AED 3,000 |
| Guarantee or warranty service fee | AED 21 |
| Guarantee collection and return fee | AED 20 |
| Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | AED 10 |
| Service fee | AED 52.50 |
| Listed total | AED 3,713.50 |
How to Apply for the UAE Five-Year Tourist Visa
- Check basic eligibility. Review the stay rules, passport validity, insurance and financial-evidence conditions.
- Prepare the required documents. Make sure photographs, passport copies, bank statements, insurance and tickets are clear and current.
- Select the correct official service. Use the relevant GDRFA Dubai, ICP or authorised service channel.
- Complete the application accurately. Names, passport details, dates and contact information should match the documents.
- Upload the supporting documents. Follow the file and image specifications shown by the official platform.
- Pay the applicable fees and guarantee. Review the breakdown before confirming payment.
- Monitor the application. Respond if the authority asks for clarification or additional documents.
- Check the issued visa carefully. Confirm the validity, personal details and permitted stay before travelling.
Dubai applications may use relevant GDRFA digital services or Amer channels. Applications connected to other Emirates may use ICP Smart Services, the ICP app, Customer Happiness Centres or other authorised channels, depending on the case.
Processing time can vary according to the issuing authority, document completeness, security review and whether additional information is requested. Although official service pages may display an expected completion period after requirements are fulfilled, travellers should not make non-refundable plans based on a guaranteed approval date.
Common Reasons an Application May Be Delayed
An application can take longer when information is missing or requires further review. Possible causes include:
- Incomplete, expired or unclear supporting documents.
- A passport with insufficient remaining validity.
- Bank statements that are unreadable, incomplete or inconsistent.
- Different spellings, dates or personal details across documents.
- Insurance or travel-ticket details that do not meet the requirement.
- Previous immigration violations or unresolved records.
- Additional security or eligibility review.
- Failure to answer a request for more information.
This is practical guidance, not an exhaustive official rejection list. The authority may assess other factors depending on the application.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming “all nationalities” means automatic approval.
- Confusing five-year visa validity with permission to stay for five years.
- Submitting edited, cropped or unclear documents.
- Relying only on old social-media posts instead of official sources.
- Paying an unverified individual or agent without checking the recipient.
- Sending passports or financial records through unsecured public forms.
- Ignoring entry and exit records when calculating remaining days.
- Overstaying or assuming the financial guarantee removes the risk of penalties.
How System Care Travel Can Help
System Care Travel & Tourism can help you review the basic requirements, organise a document checklist and understand the available application process. The team may also assist with travel insurance, flight reservations, hotel planning, UAE activities and follow-up support where available.
System Care Travel is a travel-service provider, not a UAE immigration authority. It cannot influence or guarantee a decision. Final visa approval, stay permission and any request for additional documents remain under the relevant government authority.
Check Your UAE 5-Year Visa Requirements
Complete this quick form. Your details will open in WhatsApp so you can send them directly to System Care Travel.
This is a travel-service enquiry, not an official UAE visa application. Do not send passport copies, banking documents or payment information until you have verified the recipient and received clear instructions.
Planning More Than One UAE Trip?
A five-year multiple-entry tourist visa may reduce the need to arrange a new short-term visa before every trip. The right option depends on your documents, travel history and intended stay. Share your basic details with System Care Travel and get guidance on the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UAE five-year tourist visa available to all nationalities?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities may apply for this visa category. However, every application is reviewed individually, and being allowed to apply does not guarantee approval.
Does the UAE five-year visa require a sponsor?
No. The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is self-sponsored, so the applicant does not need a UAE sponsor or host for this visa category.
Can I stay in the UAE continuously for five years?
No. Five years is the visa validity period, not permission for continuous residence. The holder must follow the allowed stay for each visit and the annual maximum.
How long can I stay during each visit?
A holder may stay for up to 90 continuous days during a visit, subject to the visa conditions and recorded entry and exit dates.
Can the initial 90-day stay be extended?
The stay may be extended for a similar period through the applicable process and subject to authority approval, provided the total stay does not exceed the permitted annual limit.
What is the maximum stay allowed in one year?
The total period spent in the UAE under the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa must not exceed 180 days within one year.
How much bank balance is required?
Applicants must provide evidence of at least USD 4,000, or the equivalent in another currency, during the six months before the application is submitted.
What documents are required?
The main documents include a recent personal photo, a passport valid for at least six months, six months of bank statements, UAE-valid health insurance and a return or onward travel ticket. Additional documents may be requested.
How much does the UAE five-year visa cost?
The GDRFA Dubai service page lists a total of AED 3,713.50, including an AED 3,000 financial guarantee. Charges may vary, and applicants should confirm the latest government and service fees before payment.
Can System Care Travel guarantee approval?
No. Visa approval is decided by the relevant UAE immigration authority. System Care Travel can provide travel-service assistance, requirement guidance and application support, but it cannot guarantee approval.
Primary source: GDRFA Dubai — Issuing a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (5 Years).
Applicants outside the relevant Dubai channel may need to use the applicable ICP Smart Services or another authorised UAE immigration service.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees and application procedures can change. Always confirm the latest information through the relevant official UAE immigration channel before applying or travelling.