In Jan 2020, the 5 year tourist visa was initially approved by UAE Authorities and announcement was made on 21st March 2021 for its implementation. On Sept 29, 2021, Immigration authorities in the UAE have opened application processes for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the country.
The visa will be issued to all nationalities. Expatriate families and business travelers can enter and leave UAE as many times as they want in five years. Each visit can last up to 90 days in the country, which can be extended for another 90 days. The new visa is set to make it easier for UAE residents to bring family members to visit the country.
The move also comes in the wake of the revival of tourism in the UAE. This step is also aimed at positioning the UAE as an ideal business and tourism destination. UAE welcomes 21 million visitors each year. Dubai, in particular, contributes to welcoming a significant number of tourists, so having this longer new 5-year tourist visa will certainly be helpful.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants can apply directly on the ICA website. https://icp.gov.ae/en/ Documents including bank statements of the applicant, can be uploaded directly on the website and it is the discretion of the immigration authority to grant the visa to the applicant or not.
FEES
Applicants have to pay an initial fee of 650 dirhams to apply for the visa via ICA. Please refer the the website for complete details of the FEES.
Step-by-step process to apply for the five-year visa via ICA
Step 1 Upload application information, including name, beneficiary details, address inside the UAE, address outside the UAE and other personal information.
Step 2 Upload attachments including colour photo, passport copy, medical insurance, and bank statement for last six months. Applicants must have a balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the last six months.
Step 3 Review the application.
Step 4 Pay the application fee.
Step 5 Receive visa by e-mail.
Individual will receive a multiple-entry visa for five years, provided that the stay period in the country shall not exceed 90 days in one year. The calculation of your stay in the country starts from the date of the first entry into the country using this visa. If you wish to extend the annual period of stay in the country for more than 90 days in one year and for a period not exceeding 180 days, you can submit a request to extend the period of stay within the country.