Visa holders can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days on each visit, with the option of extending the stay by another 90 days. (AI-generated image)The UAE has clarified the rules for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing travellers, including Indians, to visit the country multiple times without a local sponsor. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days per visit, extendable once, with a maximum stay of 180 days in a year.The visa is self-sponsored, valid for five years and enables travellers to make multiple entries into the UAE throughout its validity period without applying for a new visa for each visit, Gulf News reported. The visa allows tourists to enter the UAE, including Dubai, multiple times without a sponsor or host, Gulf Today reported.The long-term visa is intended for tourists, frequent travellers, family visitors and business travellers who regularly visit the UAE and require greater flexibility than standard tourist visas, Gulf News reported. UAE Human Journey added that the initiative is designed to offer greater flexibility to travellers who wish to visit the country regularly while complying with the approved terms, conditions and permitted duration of stay.Indians are among the UAE’s largest visitor groups. The visa could benefit tourists, business travellers and people visiting family.Eligibility criteriaAccording to Gulf News, applicants must submit:• A passport valid for at least six months• A recent personal photograph• Valid health insurance• A round-trip ticket• Bank statements covering the previous six months• Proof of a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) during the six months preceding the applicationMeanwhile, UAE Human Journey reported that applicants may submit either an onward travel ticket or a departure ticket from the UAE, along with a valid passport or travel document, health insurance and bank statements for the previous six months.Application processAccording to Gulf News, applications can be submitted through the UAE’s official digital platforms and smart applications. Applicants can also complete the process at Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres by filling out the application form, uploading the required documents and paying the applicable fees.Story continues below this adUAE Human Journey similarly reported that applications may be submitted through GDRFA Dubai’s official website or smart application, as well as at Customer Happiness Centres and Amer service centres.Fees and complianceThe total application cost is Dh3,713, including visa fees, service charges and a refundable financial guarantee, although the final amount may vary depending on individual circumstances and additional requirements.The report added that visa holders are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed the permitted period of stay and can monitor their entry and exit records through a travel movement report to avoid overstaying penalties.Key featuresThe five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers:• Available to all nationalities• No sponsor or host required• Valid for five years• Multiple entries throughout the visa’s validity• Stay of up to 90 days per visit• One extension of up to 90 additional days• Maximum stay of 180 days in a calendar year• Minimum bank balance requirement of USD 4,000 during the previous six monthsStory continues below this adAccording to Gulf News, the visa is expected to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global tourism hub by encouraging repeat visits, improving the visitor experience and supporting sustained growth in the UAE’s travel and hospitality sectors.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdThe Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram