Planning to visit the UAE more than once? The country’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows visitors of all nationalities to travel in and out of the UAE without applying for a new visa for each trip.

Here’s everything you need to know before applying.

What is the 5-year tourist visa?

The visa allows multiple entries into the UAE over five years.

Visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend for another 90 days, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days in a year.

The visa is suitable for people visiting family, exploring the UAE, or making frequent business trips.

Who can apply?

The visa is open to all nationalities, provided applicants meet the eligibility requirements.

What documents do you need?

Applicants must provide:

• A passport valid for at least six months.
• A recent passport-sized colour photograph.
• Valid UAE health insurance.
• Proof of Dh14,500 bank balance (or equivalent) maintained during the six months before applying.
• A return or onward travel ticket.

Applicants from certain nationalities may also need to submit a national identity card.

Children under 18 can be included in a family application.

How do you apply?

Applications can be submitted through:

• ICP Smart Services
• GDRFA Dubai
• Customer Happiness Centres
• Approved typing centres

The process is simple:

1. Complete the application.
2. Upload the required documents.
3. Pay the applicable fees.
4. Wait for approval, which is typically issued within 48 hours.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary slightly depending on where you apply.

• ICP: Around Dh3,775
• GDRFA Dubai: Around Dh3,713.50

The total includes visa fees, a refundable security deposit and service charges.

Important rules to remember

Before travelling, keep these conditions in mind:

• Enter the UAE within 60 days of the visa being issued.
• Do not stay for more than 90 consecutive days, unless your stay is officially extended.
• Your total stay cannot exceed 180 days in 12 months.
• Unused days cannot be carried over to the following year.
• Overstaying or violating visa conditions may result in fines and the loss of your security deposit.

Why applications are rejected

Applications may be rejected if:

• Required documents are missing.
• Information is incomplete.
• Requested corrections are not submitted within 30 days.
• The application is returned three times without the necessary updates.

Authorities may not always disclose the reason for a rejection.

Can you get a refund?

Yes. If your application is cancelled, rejected or expires before approval, eligible fees, including the refundable security deposit, may be returned, subject to the applicable refund rules.

Refunds are generally processed back to the original payment method or, in some cases, by bank transfer or cheque within the prescribed timelines.