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UAE: How to apply for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa

UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has published the procedures that applicants of any nationality have to follow when applying for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa via the authority’s website. The Authority shared this information via a post made in all of its official social media handles on August 3, 2021.

This 5 year multiple entry visa service can be availed by individuals of any nationality given that their stay doesn't exceed 90 days in a year. The calculation from the first until fifth year will begin from the date of first entry into UAE using this visa. If by any chance you need to stay longer than the permitted period of 90 days but not more than 180 days per year, you can handover a request stating your reason.

What were the visas & options available prior to the Five-year visa

Travellers visiting the UAE had many uae visit visa online options and extension methods that permit visitors to apply for a 30 or 90 day visit visa and extend them using any of the permitted procedures. The system also has options for visitors who are visiting for a short duration or for those who require to stay more than 180 days. Both of these visas have a validity period of 60 days from the issue date. All features of these visas are similar except for the permitted duration of stay.

Five-year multiple entry tourist visa

The UAE Cabinet has authorized the issuing of five year multiple entry tourist visas for all nationalities starting from March 21, 2021.

Is it mandatory to have a UAE-based sponsor for this visa?

As per the details provided during the visa announcement, this visa can be obtained on self-sponsorship basis. This means that even tourists can apply without any UAE-based individual or company sponsor.

What is the maximum stay duration of this visa?

According to the information released during the announcement, tourists are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit. This duration can be extended once for an additional 90 days. Previously, tourists were only issued visas that permitted them to stay for 30 or 90 days.

What is the procedure to apply for the five-year tourist visa?

Step 1

Sign in to the ICA website

Step 2

Visit the ‘E-Channel Service’ section on the website’s main page.

Step 3

Choose the ‘Public services’ option

Step 4

Select the visa service>multi-trip>tourist long-term (5 years) for all nationalities>visa issuance.

Step 5

Complete the application form by entering your personal information and passport details

Step 6

Attach the required softcopies of the supporting documents like a copy of your passport and photograph

Step 7

Recheck your application.

Step 8

Complete the payment for the visa

Note: After receiving your UAE visa, it is crucial to check the vaccination and PCR requirements prior to booking a ticket to travel to the UAE.

Necessary supporting documents

  • Passport copy (mandatory)
  • Colored photograph (mandatory)
  • Medical insurance (mandatory)
  • bank statement from previous 6 months showing a minimum balance of 4000 USD or equivalent in any other foreign currency (mandatory)

Fee

650 AED

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Updates

  • August 04, 2021 - Already on On March 21, 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved the multi entry 5 years visa and then on August 04, 2021 ICA provided the step by step process to apply 5 years visa by the travelers on self served portal (Source : Gulf News)
  • March 17, 2020 - Prepaid visit visas will no longer be issued from the 17th of March 2020 onwards until further notice. This decision was taken as a preventive step against Corona virus. Applicants who have received their issued UAE visas before the 17th of March can ignore this notice (Source : Khaleej Time)
  • March 15, 2020The ban on issuing visa is not applicable for individuals eligible for 30 day or 90 day on arrival visa and individuals holding diplomatic passports (Source : Gulf news)
  • March 14, 2020 - Oman has taken many precautionary decisions to contain the spread of the Corona virus. Tourist visas will not be issued for 1 month starting from the 15th of March. All land borders have been closed and cruise liners cannot enter Oman territory. Flights to and from Oman have also been suspended. Shishas have been banned, sports activities postponed and court hearings open only for individuals directly related to the hearing (Source : The national)
  • January 6, 2020 - UAE Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approvednew rule and changes in current tourist visa system in UAE. Visitors across the globe can obtain 5 years visa new tourist visa which will be for 5 years and it can be used multiple times ( Source : Gulf news on January 06, 2019)
  • January 7, 2020 –The local news confirmed the specific details about the rates, terms & requirements will be announced soon. Sources assume that the rule of obtaining the 5 years multiple entry visa will remain the same as those in place for all other types of single entry UAE visit visas and multiple entry visas.( Source : Gulf News on January 07, 2019)

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6 month stay and multiple entries for 5 year Announced

The United Arab Emirates is all about making entry procedures easy for its visitors. The new addition to this list is the five-year multiple entry visa that was announced in 2020’s first cabinet meeting. The visa will be introduced within April 2020 and is a promising development for not only travelers, investors and entrepreneurs but also for family members of expatriates residing in UAE.

This visa was launched as an initiative to promote the UAE as a hub of tourism while setting the stage for the developments of the coming 50 years. This will not just increase the flow of tourists into the countries and boost the business of many local companies, but it will also attract more visitors who want to visit families and friends in the UAE. This facility is available for travelers of all nationalities

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Currently Available Single entry tourist visas

A single-entry UAE visit visa is a visa that permits the holder to enter and exit the country once within the allowed stay duration. A single-entry visa to UAE is of 2 types; a 30-day single entry visa and a 90-day single entry visa. The validity period of both these visas are 60 days counting from the date of issue with the major and only difference between the two being the permitted stay duration for the holder.

04 DAYS UAE TRANSIT VISA

04 DAYS UAE TRANSIT VISA

215 AED

*Transit

30 DAYS UAE VISIT VISA

30 DAYS UAE VISIT VISA

349 AED

90 DAYS UAE VISIT VISA

90 DAYS UAE VISIT VISA

789 AED

* T & C Apply


Before UAE decided to put up the 5-year tourist visa scheme, single entry visas were the most issued visa type for tourists. Tourists from certain countries were eligible for an on-arrival visa which was stamped on the traveler’s passport at arrival on any of UAE’s entry ports (airports, seaports and land borders). Travelers from countries who aren’t eligible for an on-arrival visa opt for a prepaid single-entry tourist visa. Individuals travelling to UAE from countries not eligible for on-arrival visa can get their prepaid single-entry tourist visa by applying online through the official portal or contacting a tourism company.

Documents required to process this type of visa is a valid passport with minimum validity of 6 months (from date of travel), a clear photograph and residence permit of sponsor. The applicant should be outside of UAE at the time of application for this visa. This visa can be extended if needed.

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Currently Available Multiple entry tourist visas

30 DAYS VISA

30 DAYS UAE TRANSIT VISA

990 AED

Abu Dhabi & Dubai Visa Not Sharjah

60 DAYS VISA

60 DAYS UAE TOURIST VISA

1190 AED

Abu Dhabi & Dubai Visa Not Sharjah

T & C Apply

Previously, UAE had two types of multiple entry visa- the multi entry long term visa and the short term multi entry visa. Both visas have a validity period of 60 days from the date of issue. The multi entry long term visa to UAE allows travelers to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. The traveler can exit and enter UAE numerous times within the 90-day duration. The 90 days begins from the first entry date. The multi entry short term visa permits a stay of 30 days within which duration the holder can travel in and out of UAE whenever the need arises. Both multiple entry visas can be extended 2 more times with an extra permitted stay duration of 30 days for each extension. Usually, multiple entry visas require 3 or 4 working days to process and issue the visa. The multiple entry visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, businesspeople or individuals who need to travel in and out of UAE on a regular basis.

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6 months visit visa

Before the 5 years visa announced the Individuals applying for UAE visas stood the chance of getting a six-month multiple-entry visit visa which can be renewed one more time for a duration of six months. The FAIC (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) explains that this visa type will be helpful for entrepreneurs, investors and outstanding professionals whose long-term goals are to apply for a UAE residency visa.

This 6-month visa gives them a chance to understand UAE’s investment opportunities, the local market and research opportunities while beginning the documentation process for their residency visas. Provided as a public service, individuals outside of UAE don’t have to sign in to apply for the 6-month multiple entry visa and can do so by applying through the Ministry of Interiors official e-portal by submitting an e-form.

The submitted applications will be evaluated by a commission of officials from appropriate government authorities. These officials are authorized to judge if the applicants fulfill the conditions and standards set. Every individual who meets these standards will be provided with a 6-month multi-entry visa. Over 6,000 applications were submitted by investors and entrepreneurs within the first two weeks of the announcement of the 6-month visa.

The best part of this visa for eligible individuals is the chance of them to gauge their opportunities in their relevant fields and take the most suitable decisions that will benefit them and their family over the long run.

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Big Plans for 2020

The year 2020 is brimming with many high-profile developments that will transform UAE’s travel, investment and infrastructure sectors. These are some of the highly anticipated events in UAE’s calendar:


Expo 2020


The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour

‘The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour’ will be the world’s tallest tower when completed by 2021. The tower will strengthen the UAE’s reputation for innovation and excellence in architecture, engineering and construction and will eclipse BurjKhalifa as the tallest building in the world. It will redefine the nation’s already spectacular skyline and set a new global referral point. It will serve as a magnet for tourists and visitors from around the world.

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour supports the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 to establish the city as a global business and leisure hub and will add real economic value by driving the growth of the core sectors of tourism, hospitality, aviation and retail among others. It is designed by Spanish/Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava Valls.

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Long-term (5 & 10 years) residence visas in the UAE

A new long term residence visa system was brought into effect by the UAE government in 2019. This new system makes it possible for foreigners to live, study and work in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor. Holders of this visa also get complete ownership of their UAE based business. These long term visas are issued for a duration of 5 or 10 years and are renewed automatically.

Eligibility for a 10-year visa residence visa

There are two categories


01 Investors with public investments of minimum AED 10 million

The investments can be of any type:

  • Establishing a company in the UAE with a minimum startup capital of 10 million AED.
  • A minimum deposit of 10 million AED in a UAE-based investment fund
  • Being a partner for a new or existing company with a minimum share value of 10 million AED
  • Have made a total investment of minimum 10 million AED in all mentioned sectors given that the investment in sectors(except real estate) is not below 60 percent of the total investment

Conditions

  • The invested amount cannot be loaned
  • The investment should be held back for a minimum of 3 years.
  • There should be a financial solvency up to AED 10 million.
  • Visa can be extended to include business partners given that each partner contributes 10 million AED.
  • The long-term visa can sponsor the spouse, children, one executive director and one advisor.
  • Foreign investors can apply for a 6 month multiple entry permit.

02 Individuals with specialised talents

This category of specialised talents includes doctors, inventors, researchers, scientists and specialists and creative individuals in the fields of science, knowledge, culture and art. This visa can sponsor the holder's spouse and children. Individuals eligible for this visa type need to possess a valid employment contract in a specialised field in the UAE.

Conditions

  • Creative individuals from the culture and art field need to be certified by UAE's ministry of Culture and Knowledge development.
  • Scientists need to be certified by Emirates Scientists Council or be holders of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for scientific excellence.
  • Investors must get a patent of value that contributes to the UAE's economy. Patents need to be accredited by the Ministry of Economy.
  • Exceptional talents need to show their patents or a scientific research that is published in an internationally acclaimed journal.
  • Executives have to be holders of outstanding academic achievement and position or be owners of an internationally recognized company.
  • Doctors and specialists need to fulfill at least two of the below mentioned conditions:
    • A PHD degree holder from one of the top 500 universities in the world (check ICA for further details)
    • A PHD degree with 10 years of professional experience in respective field
    • Be specialised in a field of priority in UAE
    • Show contributions to serious scientific research in their respective field of work
    • Hold a certificate of appreciation or award in their respective field of work
    • Possess membership in an organisation related to their respective field of work
    • Have published articles and scientific books in their respective field of work with recognized publications


Eligibility for a 5-year visa

01 Investors in a UAE-based property

  • The real estate investment should not be made by loan.
  • The invested property should have a gross value of minimum 5 million AED.
  • The property should be retained for a minimum of 3 years.

02 Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs eligible for this visa are categorised into 2 and should fulfill either of these criteria:

  1. 1. Entrepreneurs with an existing project with a startup capital of nothing less than 500,000 AED.
  2. 2. Entrepreneurs with the approval of a reputed business incubator in UAE.

This visa provides the entrepreneur with a 6 month multiple entry visa which is extendable for an additional 6 months. This visa can sponsor the holder's spouse, children,a partner and 3 executives.


03 Outstanding Students

This category is also divided into 2:

  1. 1. Remarkable students in public or private secondary school who score a minimum grade of 95 percent.
  2. 2. Locally based and foreign university students with a distinction GPA of minimum 3.75 at the time of graduation.

The visa for outstanding students provides sponsorship for their families too.

09

Major upcoming events in Dubai

01 Expo 2021 Dubai

When: 20 October 2021 — 10 April 2022

Extending over the course of 173 days, Dubai expo is an exhibition that offers entertainment,shopping and so much more. Visitors can book tickets in advance here to dine in any of the 200 restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine or be a spectator for any of the 60 live shows that pique their interest. The Dubai expo will keep you on your feet with innovative ideas and entertainment options.

02 Gulfood

When: 16 February 2021 — 20 February 2022, Dubai

Sporting the theme of 'Rethinking food' the 25th edition of this megashow will interest foodies of all kinds. Register here and secure a place to be able to experience the unique and creative recreation of different foods.

03 Louis Tomlinson World Tour 2021

When: 18 April 2020, Dubai

This is one direction fame Louis Tomlinson's first performance as a solo singer. Book tickets to enjoy his concert at Dubai's Coca Cola arena.

04 Dubai Soca Fest

When: 4 June 2021 — 8 June 2021

5 days and 4 nights of Caribbean music that's taken up a notch with some Arab luxury. Book tickets here to enjoy this amazing music fest.

05 Dubai World Cup final

When: 7 March 2021

Die-hard horse racing fans can spot the top horses and jockeys from every corner of the world battling it out for the cup. The horse racing began in October 2019, the final race will be held on March 7 2021 before the Dubai world cup.