Unlock Dubai: Amazing 5-Year Tourist Visa Rules Revealed!
As of September 5, 2026, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai offers a 5-year multi-entry tourist visa, which does not require a sponsor or host in the UAE. This visa allows for multiple entries over a five-year period from the date of issuance.
- No sponsor or host required in the UAE
- Valid for five years with multiple entries
- Total payable amount listed is AED 3,713
- Maximum stay of 90 days in any single year
Key Requirements and Costs
Key requirements for applicants include a passport valid for at least six months, a valid UAE health insurance policy, a return or onward ticket, and proof of a bank balance of at least $4,000 or its equivalent, supported by a six-month bank statement. The official total payable amount listed on the GDRFA service page is AED 3,713, which includes an AED 3,000 guarantee amount. The fee breakdown consists of a AED 100 application fee, AED 500 issuance fee, AED 3,000 guarantee amount, AED 21 warranty service fee, AED 20 guarantee collection-and-return fee, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and a AED 52.5 service fee, though final costs may vary based on individual circumstances.
Stay Limits and Travel Rules
Visa holders are permitted to stay in the UAE for a maximum of 90 days in any single year, which can be extended to a total of 180 days per year, subject to approval. These days can be utilized in continuous or separate trips. The annual stay limit is calculated based on the date of the first entry into the UAE, rather than the calendar year or visa issuance date. Unused days do not carry forward to subsequent years. Travelers may verify their entry-exit movements and remaining permitted days by obtaining a travel report. Violating these stay limits may result in fines collected at the departure port and the forfeiture of the guarantee amount.
Application and Entry Process
Following issuance, travelers must make their initial entry into the UAE within a two-month window, which can be extended by an additional two months. Applications can be submitted via the GDRFA website or smart application using a UAE Pass or username, with an expected processing time of 48 hours for complete applications. Assistance is also available through Customer Happiness Centres and Amer service centres. The visa is intended strictly for tourism purposes and should not be mistaken for residency status.