Dubai's New 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Indians

In a significant move to enhance travel connectivity between India and the Gulf region, Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian nationals. This development simplifies the travel process, and makes it more convenient for Indians to visit Dubai for tourism, business, or leisure.

With the capacity for multiple visits over a span of five years and a quick visa issuance time, this initiative marks a new chapter in the travel dynamics between the two regions. 

Continue reading to discover all the details about this new visa policy.

Visa Details and Application Process

The five-year multiple-entry visa allows Indian travellers to visit the UAE multiple times, with a total stay of up to 180 days per year. This sums up to 900 days across five years, although not consecutively. The visa process is streamlined to ensure issuance within 48 hours of application submission and acceptance. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a passport with six months of validity at submission time.
• Provide a passport-size photograph and valid medical insurance for the UAE.
• Show a bank statement from the last six months with a minimum balance of $4,000 or its equivalent.
• Submit additional documents like a local UAE address, contact details, round trip flight tickets, and proof of accommodation.

 

Visa Benefits and Conditions

The introduction of Dubai's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa offers numerous benefits while imposing certain conditions to ensure compliance and security. The advantages are listed below:

Enhanced Travel Flexibility and Convenience

• Multiple Entries and Extended Stay: Visa holders can enter the UAE multiple times over five years, with the possibility of staying up to 180 days annually. 
• Streamlined Application Process: With the visa issuance promised within 48 hours of receiving an application, this initiative reduces waiting times. Additionally, the elimination of the sponsor requirement simplifies the application process.
   

Specific Conditions for Compliance

• Adherence to Immigration Laws: Visa recipients are expected to strictly follow Dubai's immigration rules throughout their stay for safe and secure environment for both visitors and residents.
• Study and Employment Regulations: Students might need to prove enrollment in accredited institutions and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Employment is generally prohibited unless explicitly authorised.
• health insurance and Financial Stability: Applicants are required to have valid health insurance coverage and demonstrate financial stability, with a bank statement showing a minimum balance over the past six months. 
• Residency Obligations and Re-entry Rules: Though the visa allows for multiple entries, there are stipulations regarding the duration of each visit and the necessity to leave the country before re-entering. 
• Mandatory Visits: To keep the visa active, holders must visit Dubai at least once every six months. 
   

Impact on Students and Expatriates

For Indian students, this visa arrangement opens up new avenues for accessing quality education and experiencing cultural exchange without the hassle of frequent visa renewals. It promises an enriching academic and cultural experience.

Expatriates stand to benefit significantly, especially those with business interests or family connections in the UAE. The ease of travel facilitates more frequent visits, supporting sustained business activities and family reunions without the logistical challenges of single-entry visa restrictions.

Impact on Economy and Tourism

Following a 25% increase in Indian visitors in 2023, with 2.46 million overnight stays, this visa initiative is expected to further boost tourism and economic ties between India and Dubai. Dubai remains the top international destination for Indian tourists, and this visa expansion enhances travel opportunities significantly.

Special Services and Additional Information

Dubai's innovative approach to facilitating travel for Indian nationals is complemented by special services and additional provisions that enhance the overall visa experience. 

• Pre-approved Visa-on-Arrival Service: In a strategic collaboration between Dubai's Emirates Airline and VFS Global, a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service has been introduced exclusively for select Indian passport holders. This service simplifies the entry process into Dubai for travellers who meet certain criteria, including those with valid visas or residency permits from the US, UK, EU, or a US Green Card. Eligible travellers can benefit from a 14-day single entry visa.
• Digital Application Platforms: To accommodate the digital era's demands, the application for the five-year multiple-entry visa can be submitted through various online platforms, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA) website and AMER service centers. 
• Fee Structure and Processing Time: The visa comes with a transparent fee structure: a 100 AED application fee, a 500 AED issuance fee, and a 50 AED electronic service charge. While some portals mention a processing time of 48 hours, the official time frame can vary between 2 to 5 working days.

Final Say

Dubai's introduction of the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indians is a landmark decision. It promises to strengthen the bonds of tourism, business, and cultural exchange between India and the UAE. With easier access, streamlined application processes, and a host of benefits tailored to different traveller needs, Dubai continues to solidify its position as a welcoming and accessible destination for Indian visitors.