Khaleej Times has updated its flagship guide to the UAE’s five-year multi-entry tourist visa, reflecting fee tweaks on the ICP website and new examples of acceptable bank-balance evidence. The article, first published on 22 July and refreshed at 10:56 on 23 July 2026, walks applicants through both digital (ICP/GDRFA) and in-person channels and lists exact charges – AED 3,775 via ICP and AED 3,713.50 via GDRFA after service fees and refundable deposits. The visa remains open to all nationalities and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 days per year. What’s new is practical clarity: the six-month bank statement must show a minimum daily closing balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent), and the system now rejects statements that bundle joint accounts unless ownership shares are specified. For businesses the visa is an alternative to short-term employment or mission visas when remote staff, board members or freelancers need repeated UAE access without local payroll obligations. The article notes a 48-hour issuance SLA, making it viable for last-minute travel. Mobility advisers should, however, caution travellers about the 60-day window to make the first entry; missing it invalidates the visa and forfeits the sizeable security deposit. Companies can mitigate that risk by coordinating visa issuance with confirmed flight bookings. DET’s parallel ‘A Dubai Invite’ campaign (see above) could further amplify demand, so HR teams may want to secure appointment slots early during the high season.
Source: Khaleej Times
