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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Dubai 5-Year Tourist Visa Without a Sponsor

Published

3 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Shorya

dubai 5 year tourist visa without a sponsor

The UAE’s 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is a visa that allows travellers to enter the UAE for multiple visits over a 5 year period without requiring a booking at a hotel, airline sponsoring, or a local host. This self-sponsored visa makes long-term travel plans much easier and convenient, especially for those who do it often, travel for business, are out of the country or have family members in the UAE.

In the following sections, you will find all the necessary information about how to submit an online visa application including documents to be submitted, the fees required and important travel rules to keep in mind.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Be sure all your application documents are legible, valid and prepared for application upload before you begin. A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity, a recent passport-size photograph, a return ticket and recent travel or health insurance are to be brought.

The most critical criterion is a positive bank statement with a running balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) for 6 months. If the statement is bank-stamped or digitally verifiable, as unplanned deposits can be a cause for refusal, it is best to verify it beforehand.

Step 2: Choose the Right Application Portal

Applicants may directly apply through the two official Government platforms. In the case of Dubai as the main destination, GDRFA Dubai Portal can be utilized. Citizens from other Emirates as well as Abu Dhabi can avail this facility through ICP Smart Services Portal.

In both the applications you can be filled up by completing the process through the internet and without visiting an immigration office.

Step 3: Fill-in the Online Application

Once registered or logged in via UAE PASS, you can choose the tourist visa multiple entry option for 5 years. Carefully complete all your data in the passport, including, personal, contact data.

Then, upload all the relevant documents, check the application and submit it for processing. Double check all details before submitting for no extra delays!

Step 4: Pay the Government Fees

There are a number of components of fees for the official application. Visa issuance charges are AED 600 and the smart service charges are around AED 113.50.

The applicant must also submit a non-refundable security deposit amount set by the government (AED 3,000 apiece) which will increase the total amount of initial government payment to about AED 3,713.50. Actual numbers may change slightly due to processing fees.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

If you submit your application successfully, you will be given a reference number to keep track of your application. Typical processing time is 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer if documents fall short of the standards.

Your eVisa will be sent to you as an e-mail attachment once it has been received. Two sets, both digital and printed, when travelling to the UAE.

Important Stay Rules

The first entry visa into the UAE is to be made within 60 days of the issuance of your visa. Upon activation, the visa will be valid for five years.

Visitors are permitted to stay up to 90 days per visit with one extension allowed for up to 90 days. Total allowed stays in each 12-month period are, however, limited to 180 days with penalties of AED 50 per day for overs Stay.

FAQs

What amount of cash needs to be in my bank account?

Applicants need to have a bank statement for 6 months, indicating a minimum balance of USD 4,000 (around AED 14,690) or equivalent in other currencies.

What is the time period for visa processing?

Applications are generally processed in 24 to 48 hours, but may take longer if further verification is required.

What is the length of each stay?

Visas permit stays of up to 90 days per visit, which may then be extended for a further 90 days (in addition to the initial visa), if immigration officials approve.