UAE Launches 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa – No Local Guarantor Required, AED 3,713 Fee
- Xavi
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
DUBAI — July 16, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has introduced a long-anticipated five-year multiple-entry tourist visa that can be obtained without the need for a local guarantor or host. Announced in Dubai on July 15, the new visa is aimed at frequent visitors — especially business travellers, investors, event organisers, and families with ties to the Emirates — who previously had to rely on repeated short-term visit visas or corporate sponsorships.
The new visa represents a significant shift in UAE immigration policy, allowing self-sponsored, multi-entry travel for up to five years, with no single stay exceeding 90 consecutive days (extendable once to 180 days within any 12-month period).
Quick Facts: UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa 2026
Feature | Details |
Visa Type | 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa |
Announcement Date | July 15, 2026 |
Validity | 5 years from date of issue |
Entries | Unlimited |
Maximum Stay Per Visit | 90 consecutive days |
Extension Option | Once to 180 days within any 12-month period |
Local Guarantor Required? | No |
Self-Sponsorship | Yes |
Fee (Total) | AED 3,713.50 (including AED 3,000 refundable deposit) |
Minimum Bank Balance | US $4,000 (or equivalent) |
Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months |
Application | Online through GDRFA Dubai or ICP |
Issued By | General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai |
Target Users | Business travellers, investors, event organisers, families |
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Requirement | Details |
Bank Balance | Minimum US $4,000 (or equivalent) in a 6-month bank statement |
Passport Validity | Valid for at least 6 months |
Health Insurance | Valid health insurance coverage |
Return/Onward Ticket | Proof of return or onward travel |
Purpose | Tourism, business, or family visits |
Sponsor | Self-sponsored — no local guarantor or host required |
"A renewable five-year permission cuts red tape and gives companies confidence to schedule talent on rotation without committing to full residency sponsorship."— Farah Al-Suwaidi, Fragomen Dubai
Fees Breakdown
Fee Component | Amount (AED) |
Security Deposit (Refundable) | AED 3,000 |
Visa Fee | AED 713.50 |
Total | AED 3,713.50 |
Note: The AED 3,000 security deposit is refundable upon visa expiry or cancellation.
How to Apply
Application Channels
Applications can be submitted through:
GDRFA Dubai Online Portal — www.gdrfad.gov.ae
ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) — icp.gov.ae
Authorised typing centres across the UAE
Step-by-Step Process
Step | Action |
1 | Visit the official GDRFA Dubai or ICP online portal |
2 | Select the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa option |
3 | Upload required documents: passport copy, bank statement, health insurance, return ticket |
4 | Pay the visa fee (AED 3,713.50) |
5 | Receive the e-visa via email |
6 | Print the e-visa and present it at any UAE entry point |
Entry Points
The visa is valid for entry through:
All international airports
Seaports
Land border crossings
"Holders can enter through any airport or land/sea post by presenting the e-visa print-out and are free to stay in hotels, leased apartments or with relatives."
What the Visa Allows
Activity | Allowed? |
Tourism | Yes |
Business visits | Yes |
Family visits | Yes |
Event attendance | Yes |
Working for a UAE employer | No (requires work visa) |
Self-employment | No (requires licence) |
Overstaying beyond 90 consecutive days | No (extendable once) |
Conversion to work visa | Yes (without leaving the country) |
Why This Visa Matters
For Frequent Travellers
Previously, frequent visitors to the UAE often faced the "90-days-per-year" limit on standard visit visas or had to rely on repeated short-term visits and corporate sponsorships. The new visa eliminates these barriers.
For Businesses
The visa enables companies to:
Schedule talent on rotation without committing to full residency sponsorship
Reduce administrative burden associated with repeated visa applications
Support project-based work with multiple short-term visits over several years
For the UAE
The visa aligns with:
Dubai's target of hosting 40 million visitors a year by 2031
The UAE's competitiveness against other hub economies like Singapore and Saudi Arabia
The UAE's broader strategy to attract conferences, start-ups, and digital nomads
For Self-Sponsorship
The most practical difference is self-sponsorship. Holders can enter the UAE without needing a local host or corporate sponsor, making the visa accessible to a wider range of travellers.
Comparison with Other UAE Visa Options
Feature | 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | Standard Tourist Visa | Golden Visa |
Validity | 5 years | 30/90 days | 5–10 years |
Entries | Unlimited | Single/multiple | Multiple |
Local Guarantor Required | No | Yes (usually) | No |
Stay Per Visit | 90 days (extendable) | 30–90 days | Indefinite |
Work Rights | No | No | Yes |
Self-Sponsorship | Yes | No | Yes |
Fee | AED 3,713 | AED 300–1,500 | Varies |
Bank Balance Requirement | US $4,000 | Varies | Higher |
Conversion to Work Visa | Yes (in-country) | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When does the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa take effect?
A: The visa was announced on July 15, 2026, and is available for immediate application.
Q2: Who can apply for this visa?
A: Frequent visitors, business travellers, investors, event organisers, and families with ties to the UAE.
Q3: How much does the visa cost?
A: The total fee is AED 3,713.50, including a refundable AED 3,000 security deposit.
Q4: Do I need a local sponsor or host?
A: No. This visa is self-sponsored — no local guarantor or host is required.
Q5: How long can I stay on each visit?
A: Up to 90 consecutive days per visit, extendable once to 180 days within any 12-month period.
Q6: Can I work in the UAE on this visa?
A: No. This visa does not grant work rights. However, you can later convert to a work or golden visa without leaving the country.
Q7: What are the financial requirements?
A: You must have a minimum bank balance of US $4,000 (or equivalent) in a 6-month bank statement.
Q8: Where can I apply?
A: Through the GDRFA Dubai online portal, the ICP portal, or authorised typing centres.
Q9: Can I enter through any UAE airport?
A: Yes. The visa is valid for entry through all airports, seaports, and land borders.
Q10: How many times can I enter the UAE with this visa?
A: Unlimited entries for the duration of the 5-year validity period.
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