The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai announced on Wednesday, July 15, details regarding the five-year multi-entry tourist visa. This visa allows applicants of all nationalities to apply without the need for a local sponsor or host in the UAE.

The visa is valid for five years from the date of issuance, during which the holder can enter the UAE, including Dubai, multiple times. The maximum duration of continuous stay per visit is 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days with the approval of the issuing authority, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days in a single year.

Applicants must provide proof of a bank balance of at least $4,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, for the six months preceding the application. Other requirements include valid health insurance in the UAE, a round-trip ticket or onward travel ticket, a personal photograph, and a passport with at least six months of validity.

According to information on the official Dubai residency portal, the initial application fee is AED 3,713.50, which includes a AED 3,000 financial guarantee. The final amount may vary based on individual case details or additional services. The financial guarantee is refundable upon the holder's departure or visa cancellation, provided there are no residency violations.

Applicants can submit their requests through the official GDRFA Dubai website, its smart services portal, or the GDRFA DXB app. The estimated processing time for complete applications is approximately 48 hours.

Official sources indicate that the five-year multi-entry tourist visa is not an entirely new category, as it was previously offered through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). The recent announcement by GDRFA Dubai serves as a confirmation of the visa's continued issuance and a re-clarification of the requirements for applicants.

A significant note for Iranian passport holders is that tourist visas are currently not being issued for them; therefore, they must wait until the issuance of such visas resumes.