Planning a UAE trip? Here's how the 5-year tourist visa works
The UAE has clarified rules for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. This self-sponsored visa is available to all nationalities for frequent travel. Visitors can stay up to ninety days per visit, extendable by another ninety days. Applicants...
By ET Online |
Agencies
The UAE has clarified the rules for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, offering visitors greater flexibility to travel to the country without the need for a local sponsor or host.
According to Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the self-sponsored visa is available to all nationalities and is designed for tourists, frequent travellers, family visitors and business travellers who visit the UAE regularly.
Here's what travellers need to know.
What is the UAE's five-year tourist visa?
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows visitors to enter and leave the UAE multiple times during its validity period without requiring a sponsor or host.
The visa remains valid for five years from the date of issue.
How long can you stay?
Visa holders can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days on each visit.
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The stay can be extended by another 90 days, subject to the applicable rules.
However, the total time spent in the UAE cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
Who is the visa meant for?
The long-term tourist visa is intended for:
Tourists
Frequent international travellers
People visiting family and friends
Business travellers who regularly travel to the UAE
7 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world
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From financial centres to technology hubs, the world's tallest skylines are concentrated in a handful of cities. Most are located in Asia, where rapid urbanisation, population growth, and land shortages have encouraged vertical development. These cities are home to hundreds of skyscrapers that shape global business, tourism, and real estate markets. According to global skyscraper rankings, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, New York City, Dubai, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Tokyo remain among the leading cities for high-rise construction.
From financial centres to technology hubs, the world's tallest skylines are concentrated in a handful of cities. Most are located in Asia, where rapid urbanisation, population growth, and land shorta..
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Hong Kong ranks first globally with more than 550 skyscrapers. Limited land availability and a dense population have pushed development upward for decades. The city is known for one of the world's most recognisable skylines, featuring landmarks such as the International Commerce Centre and Two International Finance Centre. Its role as a major financial hub continues to support demand for office towers and residential high-rises.
Hong Kong ranks first globally with more than 550 skyscrapers. Limited land availability and a dense population have pushed development upward for decades. The city is known for one of the world's mo..
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Shenzhen has emerged as one of the fastest-growing skyscraper cities in the world. Once a fishing town, it transformed into a technology and manufacturing powerhouse. The city now has more than 400 skyscrapers, including the Ping An Finance Centre. Rapid economic growth, major corporate headquarters, and continuous urban development have helped Shenzhen build one of the world's largest vertical skylines.
Shenzhen has emerged as one of the fastest-growing skyscraper cities in the world. Once a fishing town, it transformed into a technology and manufacturing powerhouse. The city now has more than 400 s..
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New York City remains one of the world's most famous skyscraper destinations. Home to iconic towers such as One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, the city has more than 300 skyscrapers. Manhattan's skyline continues to evolve with new supertall residential and commercial towers. As a global centre for finance, media, and business, New York maintains strong demand for high-rise development.
New York City remains one of the world's most famous skyscraper destinations. Home to iconic towers such as One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, the city has more than 300 skyscraper..
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Dubai has built one of the most modern skylines in the world within a few decades. The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, along with hundreds of other skyscrapers. Strong investment in tourism, real estate, and international business has driven the city's vertical expansion. Dubai also has one of the highest concentrations of supertall buildings globally.
Dubai has built one of the most modern skylines in the world within a few decades. The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, along with hundreds of other skyscrapers. Strong..
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Shanghai serves as China's financial capital and features one of Asia's most prominent skylines. The city has nearly 200 skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Major business districts such as Lujiazui have attracted multinational companies and financial institutions, helping fuel continued high-rise construction.
Shanghai serves as China's financial capital and features one of Asia's most prominent skylines. The city has nearly 200 skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the..
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Guangzhou is another major Chinese city with a large concentration of skyscrapers. Located in the Pearl River Delta, it plays a key role in trade, manufacturing, and commerce. The city has more than 190 skyscrapers and is known for structures such as the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre. Its strategic location and economic strength have supported rapid vertical growth.
Guangzhou is another major Chinese city with a large concentration of skyscrapers. Located in the Pearl River Delta, it plays a key role in trade, manufacturing, and commerce. The city has more than ..
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Tokyo rounds out the list as one of the world's largest urban economies. Despite strict earthquake-resistant construction standards, the city has developed a skyline featuring more than 170 skyscrapers. Tokyo's towers are spread across several business districts and combine modern architecture with advanced engineering. The city's continued growth in technology, finance, and services supports its high-rise development.
Tokyo rounds out the list as one of the world's largest urban economies. Despite strict earthquake-resistant construction standards, the city has developed a skyline featuring more than 170 skyscrape..
The visa offers more flexibility than standard short-term tourist visas by allowing repeated visits over a five-year period.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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A passport with at least six months' validity.
A recent passport-size photograph.
Valid health insurance.
A confirmed return or onward ticket.
Bank statements for the previous six months.
A minimum bank balance of US$4,000 (approximately ₹3.86 lakh), or its equivalent in another currency, maintained during the six months preceding the application.
How can you apply?
Applications can be submitted through the UAE government's digital platforms and smart applications.
Travellers can also apply through Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres.
The process includes selecting the visa service, filling in the application form, uploading the required documents and paying the applicable fees.
How much does it cost?
According to GDRFA Dubai, the total application fee is Dh3,713.
The amount includes visa fees, service charges and a refundable financial guarantee. The final cost may vary depending on individual circumstances and any additional requirements.
What should travellers keep in mind?
Visa holders are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed the permitted stay period.
Authorities advise travellers to regularly check their entry and exit records through a travel movement report to avoid overstaying penalties.
The UAE says the long-term tourist visa is intended to make travel more convenient for repeat visitors while supporting the country's tourism sector and strengthening its position as a global travel destination.