A request to get a tourist visa for a family group is also submitted if there are children under 18 years old.

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

Tourists of all nationalities who hold a long-term multiple-entry tourist visa for a period of 5 years must enter the UAE within two months from the date of issuance of the visa, according to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

ICP added that while tourists are abroad, they can, through its smart channels via its website and smart application, apply directly to get a long-term multiple-entry tourist visa for a period of 5 years without a sponsor.

This type of visa, according to the ICP, allows the holder to stay in the UAE for a non-continuous period not exceeding 90 days, and it can be extended for a similar period.

The fees for obtaining this visa, according to the ICP, are Dhs3,775, including Dhs3,025, Dhs500 for issuing a visa, Dhs100 for application fees, Dhs100 for smart services, and Dhs50 for the ICP and electronic services, in addition to the value of bank guarantees.

Service fees may vary according to the data entered in the application.

To apply to get that visa, the applicant must attach a stamped and coloured bank statement of the last 6 months with a balance of $4,000, and health insurance issued from the UAE for a period of 180 days.

A request to get a tourist visa for a family group is also submitted if there are children under 18 years old. Holders of a 5-year visa can enter the country more than once, provided the period of every stay does not exceed 90 days, starting from the date of issuance of the visa and not from the calendar year.

In case the visa holder does not stay within the UAE for 90 days, the remaining days will not be transferred to the new year, and the visa is considered invalid, in the event that the holder violates the period specified for staying within the country.

It is possible to apply for a visa through the ICP’s website “www.icp.gov.ae” and via the UAEICP smart application, or by visiting the nearest customer happiness centre affiliated with the ICP, where the application must fulfil all conditions and documents and pay service fees.

It is also possible to apply for it by visiting the nearest typing office accredited by the ICP.

The ICP affirmed that the application will be cancelled electronically after 30 days if it is returned due to deficiencies in the data or lack of completion of the required documents.

It will be also be cancelled permanently if the application is returned 3 times for the same reason, the ICP added.

When the application is returned due to its lack of data and not sent in full on the same day, the applicant will incur a fine for every passing day till he sends the properly filled  application again.

The issuance fee only will be refunded, if the application is rejected, the ICP indicated.