Who is eligible for UAE’s five-year multiple entry tourist visa and how do you apply?

The UAE has begun issuing five-year multi-entry visas for tourists in a move set to encourage longer and more frequent stays in the country.

It allows visitors to enter several times over a calendar year or stay for 90 days at a stretch and extend it for another 90 days.

The scheme will be a boost for those with families based outside of the country and is also set to be a crucial tool for businesses aiming to bring employees in and out of the country for conferences and other events.

“It is absolutely a game changer on all fronts,” said Haider Hussain, partner at Fragomen, an immigration services firm.

“Traditionally people would be coming in for short term travel of 30 or 90 days from India, Pakistan or other countries who need visas to come to the UAE.

“Now more and more individuals who are eligible will apply for this five-year visa and will be able to travel to Dubai and the UAE as and when they wish.”

It allows tourists who are in the country the option of extending their stay for another 90 days.

“This will enhance travel into UAE and make life easier for residents and their extended family members,” he said.

Who is eligible for the five-year tourist visas? What is the criteria?

The five-year multi-entry tourist visa is available to citizens of all countries. To be eligible, the visitor must provide a passport with six-month validity at the time of submission, a passport size photograph, medical insurance valid for the UAE and a bank statement of the last six months with a minimum balance of $4,000 or equivalent in another currency.

How do you apply?

Applications can be made online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security website.

Applicants who want to obtain the visa from within the country can approach accredited typing centers.