Dubai keeps building on its reputation as one of the world’s top travel and business destinations, and its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is a big part of that. It is built for people who find themselves in the UAE fairly often, whether for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or short getaways throughout the year.
Issued by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, this visa lets eligible travellers enter the UAE as many times as they need, without having to line up a sponsor or guarantor based in the country. It has picked up a lot of popularity since it was introduced, mostly because of how much convenience it offers international visitors.
What Is the Dubai 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa?
This visa lets you travel to Dubai and the wider UAE multiple times over its five-year validity. Instead of applying fresh for a tourist visa before every single trip, you can simply enter the country whenever you need to during that five-year window.
Each visit allows a stay of up to 90 days, and you can extend that once for another 90 days. That said, your total stay within any single year cannot go beyond 180 days, based on GDRFA rules.
Demand for the Visa Continues to Grow
GDRFA Dubai says demand for this five-year visa keeps climbing, largely thanks to how flexible it is and how much it simplifies travel planning. It fits neatly into Dubai’s larger push to grow tourism by making it easier for people to come back again and again.
This visa’s growing popularity lines up with Dubai’s broader efforts to draw in tourists, investors, entrepreneurs, and business travellers from across the globe. Alongside this, Dubai has also seen a strong jump in Golden Visa approvals and residency permits during the first half of 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Before applying, there are a few eligibility boxes to tick. Your passport or travel document needs to be valid for at least six months and allow you to re-enter your home country or country of residence.
You will also need valid health insurance that covers you while in the UAE, a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, and proof that you have enough funds to support yourself, shown through a recent bank statement.
Financial Requirement
Financial stability is one of the bigger eligibility conditions here. You need to submit a bank statement covering the past six months that shows a minimum balance of US$4,000 (approximately AED 14,690), or the equivalent in another currency.
This is mainly there to show that you can support yourself financially during your time in the UAE without needing to lean on local assistance.
Documents Required
It helps to have everything ready before you start the online application. You will need:
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- A passport copy valid for at least six months.
- A six-month bank statement showing the required balance.
- Valid UAE health insurance.
- A confirmed round-trip or onward travel ticket.
Having complete and accurate documents ready can save you from delays further down the line.
Step-by-Step Application Process
You apply through the official GDRFA Dubai online portal. Once you are on the service page, click Start Service and sign in using UAE PASS, or set up a new GDRFA account with your email and mobile number.
After logging in, select “New 5 Years Tourism Entry Permit” and fill in your personal details, passport information, purpose of travel, address, occupation, and contact information, then upload the required documents.
Once your application is reviewed, you pay the applicable service charges and submit everything electronically. You will get a reference number after that, which lets you track your application’s status online.
Visa Processing Time
According to GDRFA Dubai, most applications get processed within 48 hours, though this can vary depending on how quickly documents get verified and other individual factors.
You will be notified whether your application has gone through or if anything else is needed before the permit can be issued.
Visa Fees
Here is the current fee breakdown:
- Application fee: AED 100
- Issuance fee: AED 500
- Refundable guarantee: AED 3,000
- Warranty service fee: AED 21
- Guarantee collection and return fee: AED 20
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
- Service fee: AED 52.50
This brings the estimated total to AED 3,713.50, though GDRFA notes the final amount can shift a bit depending on individual circumstances and any extra charges that might apply.
Also Read: Best Places to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Dubai Screening Venues & Fan Zones
Apply Online or Visit a Service Centre
If you are already in the UAE, you also have the option of heading to a GDRFA Customer Happiness Centre or an authorised Amer Service Centre, where staff can walk you through the process in person.
Between its easy digital application, quick processing, and flexibility for repeat travel, the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa has turned into one of Dubai’s most appealing long-term visitor options. It plays right into the emirate’s larger vision of welcoming more international visitors while strengthening tourism, business travel, and global connectivity.