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The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has clarified the framework for the UAE’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, which permits visitors from every nationality to enter and exit the country multiple times without a host or sponsor. According to the authority’s guidelines reported by Gulf News, the self-sponsored visa remains valid for five years and allows stays of up to 90 days on each visit, extendable once for an additional 90 days provided the total time spent in the UAE does not exceed 180 days annually. The measure targets tourists, frequent business travellers, family visitors and professionals seeking greater flexibility than that offered by standard short-term tourist visas.
Applicants must present a passport valid for at least six months, a recent personal photograph, proof of health insurance valid in the UAE, a round-trip ticket and bank statements covering the previous six months that show a consistent minimum balance of $4,000 or its equivalent, the directorate stated. GDRFA emphasised that the required bank balance must be maintained throughout the six-month period rather than added immediately before submission. Applications can be filed online via official UAE government digital platforms and smart applications or in person at Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres, where applicants complete the form, upload supporting documents and pay the applicable fees.
The total cost of obtaining the visa reaches Dh3,713, encompassing issuance charges, service fees and a refundable financial guarantee, according to the authority’s breakdown. Once issued, the visa operates on a fully self-sponsored basis, setting it apart from categories that mandate local sponsorship or invitation. The directorate’s announcement reiterated that the process involves straightforward verification of the listed documents to ensure compliance with entry standards.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism data showed the emirate received 19.59 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5 percent increase from the year before. A Ministry of Economy and Tourism assessment placed the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to UAE GDP at around 9 percent based on 2022 figures, the most recent comprehensive breakdown available. The five-year visa option, first approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2021, forms part of ongoing efforts to sustain this growth by simplifying access for longer-term and repeat visitors.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs noted that the visa supports sectors such as hospitality, retail and business events by enabling extended stays. Officials advised prospective applicants to verify that all submitted materials fully meet the published criteria to prevent processing delays or refusals. This clarification provides practical guidance for what has become a popular option among international travellers to the UAE.
