Holders of 90-day tourist visa now can enter UAE more than once

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) revealed that holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa will be allowed to enter the UAE more than once.

Earlier holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa were allowed to enter only once.

The ICP clarified that there are other visas in the updated system which will enter into force as of Oct.3, will include multiple-entry visas.

Changing the 90-day normal visit visa allows holder to enter more than once and this will be applied to all types of visas within the new updated system, all of which have become flexible and allow entering the country more than once, the ICP added.

It pointed out that there are some visas which allow entry only once.

The ICP issues an entry visit visa for the purpose of tourism, and the guarantor or host within the country must be one of the tourist companies, after paying the prescribed fees and financial guarantee.

The authority also issues a multi-entry visit visa for the purpose of tourism, valid for a period of 5 years, without the requirement of a guarantor or host within the country, after the payment of the prescribed fee and financial guarantee, provided that the applicant provides a proof that he has a bank balance of $4,000 or an equivalent amount in other foreign currencies, six months before applying.

The ICP clarified that the multiple-entry tourist visa allows holder to stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days, and can be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire stay period does not exceed 180 days in a year, except in exceptional cases.

The updated entry visas provide new and multiple options for those wishing to visit the UAE with flexible and extendable periods of up to one year, without the requirement of a guarantor or host, the ICP indicated.

The ICP called on all to take advantage of the new benefits of the updated visas by accessing the authority’s website and smart application to find more about these advantages and apply for them, through the website, app and customer happiness centres in the country.

The updated visas include simplified terms, controls, procedures and new facilitations, which reinforce the authority's approach of providing proactive services which meet the future needs of all categories of foreigners and residents, and make the UAE a hub for living, working, innovation and investment.