Last updated: September 2026. UAE visa rules can change at short notice, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official ICP or GDRFA Dubai websites before you apply.
If you visit the UAE often, whether for family, business or holidays, applying for a new tourist visa before every trip can be tiring and expensive. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, available since 2022, lets eligible travellers of all nationalities, including Pakistanis, visit the UAE many times over five years without a local sponsor or host. This guide explains the rules, requirements and costs in 2026.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Sponsor needed? | No, it is self-sponsored |
| Stay per visit | Up to 90 days, extendable once by another 90 days |
| Maximum stay per year | 180 days |
| Minimum bank balance | USD 4,000 (or equivalent) during the last 6 months |
Understanding the Stay Rules
This visa is for visiting, not living in the UAE. Each stay can last up to 90 days, and you can extend it once for up to another 90 days. However, your total time in the UAE cannot exceed 180 days in one year. The year is counted from the date your visa was issued, not the calendar year.
You must usually make your first entry within 60 days of the visa being issued. Overstaying breaks the visa conditions and can lead to fines, loss of your financial guarantee and problems with future visas, so keep a careful record of your entry and exit dates.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent colour photo with a white background
- Pakistani CNIC (required for Pakistani applicants)
- Bank statements for the last 6 months, stamped by the bank, showing a balance of at least USD 4,000 or the equivalent in Pakistani rupees
- UAE health insurance valid for your stay
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation details, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from family or friends in the UAE (may be requested)
Children under 18 can be included through a family application.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fees depend on where and how you apply. As an example, applying through the GDRFA Dubai website costs a total of around AED 3,713, which includes:
- Application and issuance fees (about AED 600)
- A refundable financial guarantee of AED 3,000, returned when you follow the visa conditions
- Service and other small charges
Health insurance is an additional cost. Fees through ICP, typing centres or agents may differ, so always ask for a full breakdown before paying.
How to Apply
- Prepare your documents, especially your 6-month bank statement and health insurance.
- Apply online through the ICP or GDRFA Dubai website or app, or through an accredited typing centre or registered agent.
- Pay the fees and the refundable guarantee.
- Receive your e-visa by email and enter the UAE within the allowed period.
Is It Worth It for Pakistani Travellers?
It is a good choice if you:
- Visit the UAE several times a year, for example to see family or for business
- Can comfortably show the required bank balance over 6 months
- Want to avoid applying for a new visa before every trip
A standard 30 or 60-day tourist visa may be better if you:
- Visit the UAE only once in a while
- Cannot show the required balance over the full 6 months
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Bank balance below USD 4,000 at any point in the 6-month period
- Unstamped or incomplete bank statements
- Previous overstays or immigration violations in the UAE
- Name or detail mismatches between your passport, CNIC and application
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistanis apply for the UAE 5-year visa?
Yes. The visa is available to all nationalities who meet the requirements. Pakistani applicants must also submit a copy of their CNIC.
Can I work in the UAE on this visa?
No. It is a tourist visa. Working requires a proper work visa sponsored by an employer.
Can I stay for 6 months at once?
You can stay up to 90 days, then extend once for another 90 days, as long as your total stay does not exceed 180 days in the visa year.
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This guide is for general information only. For your own case, always check the official government website or consult a licensed adviser. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the UAE Government. Visa decisions are made solely by UAE immigration authorities.
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