Here's how you can get Dubai's new 5-year multiple-entry visit visa

Frequent travellers to the UAE now have an attractive alternative to repeatedly applying for short-term tourist visas.

The UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows eligible visitors to enter the country multiple times over a five-year period without the need for a local sponsor, making it particularly useful for holidaymakers, business travellers and those visiting family and friends regularly.

If you're considering applying, here's everything you need to know.

What is the UAE's five-year multiple-entry visit visa?

The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows foreign nationals to enter the UAE as many times as they wish during the visa's five-year validity.

Each stay can last for up to 90 days, with the option to extend it for another 90 days, provided the total period of stay does not exceed 180 days in a calendar year. Unlike many traditional tourist visas, applicants do not need a sponsor or host in the UAE.

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Who can apply?

The visa is available to eligible foreign nationals, including Indian passport holders who meet the prescribed requirements.

It is particularly suited to frequent leisure travellers, people visiting family and friends in the UAE, business travellers who make regular short visits, and travellers who prefer not to apply for a fresh tourist visa before every trip.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must satisfy several conditions before submitting their application.

These include a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 (or its equivalent) maintained during the previous six months, valid health insurance covering the UAE, and a confirmed return or onward travel ticket.

Depending on individual circumstances, authorities may request additional supporting documents during the application process.

How to apply

Applicants can submit their application online through the UAE government's official immigration portals.

Those travelling to Dubai can apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal, while visitors travelling to other emirates can use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services portal.

The general process includes registering or logging in to the official portal, selecting the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa service, completing the online application, uploading the required documents, paying the applicable government fees, and then finally, awaiting approval before travelling.

How much does it cost?

Government charges vary depending on the emirate, service fees and other applicable charges.

Applicants should check the latest fee structure on the official GDRFA or ICP portals before applying, as the total cost may differ depending on where the application is processed.

Why it is becoming popular

The five-year visa offers greater flexibility than standard 30-day or 60-day tourist visas.

Instead of applying for a new visa before every visit, eligible travellers can make multiple trips over five years, making it a convenient option for people who frequently visit Dubai or other UAE emirates for holidays, family visits or business meetings.

Important things to remember

While the visa offers long-term flexibility, holders must continue to comply with UAE immigration rules.

Visitors should ensure they do not exceed the permitted duration of stay and maintain valid health insurance while in the UAE.

Additionally, make sure you travel with a passport that remains valid for at least six months and keep track of their visa validity and entry records through the official government portals.

Is it worth applying?

For travellers who visit the UAE once every few years, a regular tourist visa may be sufficient.

However, for those who travel frequently for leisure, family visits or business, the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa can save time and eliminate the hassle of repeated visa applications.

With self-sponsorship, multiple entries and generous stay limits, it has become one of the UAE's most flexible visitor visa options for international travellers.