The UAE has clarified the latest requirements for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, offering Pakistani travellers and other foreign nationals greater flexibility to visit the Emirates without the need for a sponsor or host.
Issued under the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), the self-sponsored visa remains valid for five years and allows unlimited entries and exits during its validity.
Visa holders can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend their stay for another 90 days. However, the total duration of stay must not exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
The long-term visa is aimed at tourists, business travellers, frequent visitors and those visiting family members in the UAE.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, valid health insurance, a confirmed return ticket, and bank statements covering the previous six months.
They are also required to maintain a minimum bank balance of $4,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) during the six months before submitting the application.
Application process
Applicants can apply through the UAE’s official digital platforms and smart applications, as well as Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres.
The process involves selecting the visa service, completing the online application, uploading the required documents and paying the applicable fees.
Visa fee
The total cost of the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is Dh3,713, which includes visa charges, service fees and a refundable financial guarantee. The final amount may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Authorities have advised travellers to closely monitor their permitted stay and entry-exit records to avoid overstaying fines.
Key features of the UAE five-year tourist visa
- No sponsor or host required
- Available to applicants of all nationalities, including Pakistanis
- Valid for five years
- Multiple entries permitted throughout the visa validity
- Stay up to 90 days on each visit
- Extendable for another 90 days
- Maximum stay of 180 days in one year
- Minimum bank balance requirement of $4,000 during the previous six months
The five-year multiple-entry visa is part of the UAE’s strategy to strengthen tourism, encourage repeat visits and support long-term growth in the country’s travel and hospitality sector.
