The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the UAE has allowed foreigners to apply for a five-year tourist visa, specifying four requirements: a bank statement for the last six months with a balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies, health insurance, a copy of the passport, and a colored personal photo. The Authority stated that this tourist visa is available for individuals of all nationalities, granting them entry permission for multiple visits over five years, provided the stay in the country does not exceed 90 days per year. The counting of the year (first, second, up to the fifth) starts from the date of the first entry into the country using this visa. Should an individual wish to extend their annual stay in the country for more than 90 days, up to a maximum of 180 days, they can submit a request for an extension of their residency within the UAE, according to the newspaper Emirates Today.
Applicants for this visa are advised on the Authority's website to ensure the accuracy of information while filling out all fields, especially profession, mother’s name, used phone numbers, email (if any), and address, knowing that the application will be rejected if an error is found in those fields.
Additionally, the UAE Smart Government mentioned through its electronic portal that the UAE government has introduced a multi-entry tourist visa system for all nationalities, providing all necessary facilities for visitors and tourists and supporting the tourism sector in the country to enhance its position as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. These visas will be guarantor-free, multi-entry, and valid for five years, allowing holders to stay in the country for 90 days each time, which is extendable for a similar duration.
The Authority noted that the UAE issues single or multi-entry tourist visas, allowing a short-term tourist visa stay of 30 days, whereas the long-term tourist visa allows a stay of 90 days, which can be extended twice without the need to leave the country.
It highlighted that when applying for a tourist visa to the UAE, some individuals do not need one if they are from nationalities eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry. Furthermore, according to a Cabinet decision in July 2018, tourists can obtain a fee-exempt entry visa for their children under 18 during the summer vacation period from July 15 to September 15 each year.
The Authority pointed out that according to the latest update, it is possible to issue a guarantor-free and multi-entry tourist visa valid for five years, allowing the holder to stay in the country for 90 days each time, which is also extendable for a similar duration.
