At a Glance
- The United Arab Emirates has formalized a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities, including Pakistani passport holders.
- This self-sponsored visa allows visitors to enter and exit the country multiple times over a 60-month period.
- Applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a balance of $4,000 or its equivalent.
- Each visit permits a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days within a calendar year.
- The policy aims to position the UAE as a primary global tourism hub and simplify long-term travel for frequent visitors.
UAE Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa Regulations for 2026
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a long-term visa policy designed to facilitate frequent travel for tourists and business professionals. Under this system, Pakistani nationals can obtain a five-year multiple-entry visa that does not require a local sponsor or host. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) manage the issuance of these permits.
This visa category differs from standard short-term permits as it grants the holder self-sponsorship status. This means individuals are responsible for their own application and stay requirements without needing a UAE-based company or individual to act as a guarantor.
Eligibility and Stay Duration
Holders of this visa are permitted to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days per visit. According to current immigration rules, this period may be extended for another 90 days, provided the total duration spent in the country does not exceed 180 days within a single calendar year. The five-year validity remains intact regardless of the frequency of entries, as long as the passport used remains valid for the duration.
Mandatory Documentation for Applicants
The application process is entirely digital, conducted through official government portals. Pakistani applicants must ensure all supporting documents are genuine and clearly scanned to avoid delays or rejections.
Key Document Requirements:
- Passport: A copy of the passport valid for at least six months from the date of application.
- Photographs: A recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white background.
- Financial Proof: A bank statement for the last six months showing a closing balance of at least $4,000 (or approximately 1.12 million PKR).
- Medical Insurance: A valid health insurance policy that covers the applicant during their stay in the UAE.
- Travel Itinerary: Proof of a round-trip ticket and a statement regarding the intended tour programme or accommodation details.
Fee Structure and Refundable Deposits
The cost of the five-year multiple-entry visa includes several components, such as application fees, issuance fees, and electronic service charges. In some instances, a refundable financial guarantee is required by the authorities to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Estimated Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 100 | Non-refundable processing fee |
| Issuance Fee | 500 | Cost for permit generation |
| Digital Service Fee | 100–150 | Varies by portal (ICP/GDRFA) |
| Financial Guarantee | 3,000 | Refundable upon visa expiry or exit |
| Total Estimated Cost | 3,700–3,850 | Excludes individual health insurance |
Application Process and Timeline
The UAE has streamlined the application through the ICP Smart Services website and the GDRFA mobile application. Applicants from Pakistan are advised to use official channels rather than third-party agents to ensure data security.
- Account Registration: Create a profile on the ICP or GDRFA portal using the UAE Pass or email registration.
- Service Selection: Choose the “New Application” option for the “Multi-entry Tourist Visa (5 Years).”
- Data Entry: Input personal details, passport information, and travel history accurately.
- Upload Portal: Attach the bank statement, insurance documents, and passport copies.
- Payment: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the required fees and the security deposit.
- Review: Applications are typically processed within 48 to 72 hours, though some may take up to 14 working days for additional security verification.
Pre-Immigration Clearance Updates
In early 2026, authorities from Pakistan and the UAE agreed to initiate a “pre-immigration clearance” project. This system is intended to complete the immigration process for Pakistani passengers before they depart from airports in Karachi or other major cities. Once fully implemented, travellers with valid five-year visas will be able to exit UAE airports directly, similar to domestic passengers, significantly reducing waiting times upon arrival.
Important Compliance Rules
Visa holders must adhere to strict guidelines to maintain the validity of their permit. Overstaying beyond the permitted 90 or 180 days results in daily fines and potential blacklisting from future entries. Additionally, this visa is strictly for tourism and business visits; it does not grant the right to take up formal employment within the UAE. Individuals seeking work must apply for a specific employment residency permit sponsored by a licensed employer.
People also ask
Q: Can I work in Dubai with a five-year multiple entry visa? A: No. This visa is strictly for tourism and short-term business visits. Engaging in formal employment requires a specific UAE work permit and residency visa sponsored by a registered employer.
Q: What is the bank balance requirement for the UAE five-year visa? A: Applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in Pakistani Rupees. This balance must be consistently maintained.
Q: Is a local sponsor needed for the UAE five-year multiple entry visa? A: No. This specific visa category is self-sponsored. Pakistani nationals can apply directly through the ICP or GDRFA portals without the need for a UAE-based host or company.
Q: How many days can a Pakistani citizen stay in the UAE on this visa? A: Holders can stay for up to 90 days per visit. This can be extended for another 90 days, but the total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a single year.
Q: How much does the five-year multiple entry visa cost in 2026? A: The total cost is approximately AED 3,700 to AED 3,850, which includes a refundable security deposit of AED 3,000, along with application and issuance fees.
Q: Can I apply for the UAE five-year multiple entry visa online from Pakistan? A: Yes. The application is conducted through the official ICP Smart Services website or the GDRFA Dubai app, allowing for a completely digital process from Pakistan.