All about the multiple entry five-year UAE tourist visa

• Multiple Entry Five Year Tourist Visa
• FAQs

The UAE is a leading tourism destination attracting millions of visitors from around the world. The country has been extremely successful at attracting visitors and professionals by introducing strategic improvements in terms of recreational amenities and other facilities. To promote tourism even further, the government has announced a new five-year UAE Tourist Visa which allows for multiple entries into the country.

ALL ABOUT THE MULTIPLE ENTRY FIVE-YEAR UAE TOURIST VISA

The UAE Cabinet approved the decision to issue a multiple-entry UAE tourist visa that would remain valid for five years. 

This new Dubai tourist visa for 5 years was announced after a cabinet meeting. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai chaired the meeting.

Passport holders from all nationalities will be eligible to apply for the new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa. One can stay in the country for a continuous 180-days. However, another 90-day extension could be granted upon request. The applicant will be self sponsoring the visa and can enter and exit the country as many times as he or she desires.

This is another step by the UAE government to reaffirm the country’s position as one of the top global tourist destinations.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR UAE TOURIST VISA

The five-year, multi-entry UAE tourist visa announcement was made on 21st March 2021. The finer details about how this visa will be rolled out will be revealed in due course. Its implementation, on the other hand, is the responsibility of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

As per reports, the terms and conditions for getting the five-year, multi-entry UAE tourist visa will be the same as for the current UAE tourist visa.

EXPO 2020 VISITORS

The initial announcement regarding the 5-year visa was made last year in line with Expo 2020.

At the time, the chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Ali Mohammad Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, had said that this decision was also taken into account, keeping in mind the upcoming visitors for Expo 2020. The 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 Dubai tourist visa will certainly be helpful. 

With Expo 2020 scheduled for later this year, the government is trying to increase that number significantly. The idea is to use this mega event as a catalyst to create further global interest. By offering a 5-year tourist visa to Dubai, the government wants to ensure higher volumes of visitors that would like to stay in the country for the long term.

Reducing the amount of paperwork involved and perhaps cutting down on the overall fees will attract even more people to this land of opportunity. Given that the offer is for all nationalities, this can be a pivotal decision for the future of the UAE’s tourism industry.

FAQS

WHAT IS THE FIVE YEAR MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA FEE?

So far there hasn’t been an announcement regarding the fees for the 5-year Dubai visa for tourists.

HOW LONG IS THE VISA PROCESSING TIME?

An announcement in this regard is also expected soon. However, generally, UAE visa processing timing are fairly swift.

HOW WILL THE RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM THIS CHANGE?

Relatives of residents who want to stay in the UAE currently have to apply for extensions if they intend to stay longer than the period mentioned on the visa. With this 5-year tourist visa in Dubai due to be enrolled soon, families can spend more time with their loved ones in the UAE. 

Moreover, this five-year UAE tourist visa will, at the very least, reduce the application processing times. Applying for a visa can be a stressful experience and having to do it repeatedly is a hassle. With the 5-year UAE tourist visa, residents can stay with their relatives for longer periods. More importantly, they would only have to make a one-time payment. 

While the new tourist visa for Dubai has been announced, the implementation and roll-out of the procedures may take some time. So, those who are currently staying in the country on a tourist visa, here’s how to extend tourist visa in Dubai.

It’s always best to be on the safe side and extend the visa to avoid overstaying fines. If there is any confusion, you can submit your UAE visa status enquiry.

Subscribe to MyBayut and never miss an update regarding UAE visa laws and regulations.