The Finance World Magazine| Edition: April 2023

The Federal Authority for Identity,
Citizenship, Customs & Port
Security (ICP) has introduced
the provision of multiple-entry
tourist visas for families. In the past,
individuals had to apply separately for
each family member, which involved
submitting identical documentation
for each application. However, the ICP
website has now made it possible for
families to apply collectively as a unit,
thereby simplifying the process.
The UAE’s announcement of the new 5-year
UAE tourist visas has several objectives,
including facilitating the entry process
and improving convenience for visitors
as well as enhancing the attractiveness
of the destination and augmenting the
tourism sector’s contribution to the
nation’s economy.
According to reports, the CEO of the
Dubai Corporation for Tourism and
Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, has
stated that the response to the five-year
tourist visa has been positive, although it
has been implemented gradually so far.
Kazim has expressed a desire to expand the
program more extensively in collaboration
with the authorities, as it would help to
attract more tourists, particularly from
the neighboring region. The availability
of a multi-entry visa is expected to be
advantageous in this regard.
However, the UAE is in the process of
developing a plan to broaden the scope
of its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa,
which enables visa holders to travel to
and from the country multiple times,
provided they spend a minimum of 90
days during each visit and do not exceed
180 days of stay per year.
Introduced in March of the previous
year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister
and Vice-President of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai, the visa initiative aims
to strengthen the UAE’s status as a
prominent global economic hub. The
visa program has played a critical role in
increasing tourism and business activity
in the country, as it allows individuals
to spend extended periods of time with
their families in the UAE without having
to repeatedly apply for a visa.
How to Apply for the 5-Year Visa:
The extension of
the five-year visa
has the potential
to attract a greater
number of tourists
and significantly
stimulate the
economy of the
UAE.
You can apply for a visa through various
online platforms such as the GDRFA
website, the ICP portal, or the GDRFA-
Dubai Smart Application. To complete the
application process, you need to upload
the necessary documents and make the
payment of the fees.
Required Documents: The following
documents are necessary for the visa
application:
• A bank statement from the past six
months to demonstrate a minimum
balance of $4,000 or its foreign currency
equivalent.
• Proof of UAE health insurance.
• A recent colored passport-sized photo
with a white background.
• A photocopy of the front and last page
of the passport.
Additional documents required are a
flight ticket copy, hotel booking or lease
agreement, and proof of residence like
an invitation letter from friends or family
residing in UAE.
How Much it Costs:
According to the details provided on
the GDRFA website, the cost of a five-year
multiple entry visa is Dh1500 (USD 408).
Furthermore, there will be a collection
commission charged by the Commercial
Bank of Dubai, which amounts to Dh20
per transaction for individuals and Dh50
for companies, and Dh15 for Emaratech
companies. If applying through Amer
Centers, the application process fee
will be Dh100.
April 2023 www.thefinanceworld.com 95