The United Arab Emirates authority has excluded Nigeria from the newly introduced 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa due to the ongoing issues between the two countries. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa is available to all nationals but since Nigeria is currently banned from entering UAE, they will not be eligible to apply for the visa.
How the United Arab Emirates Five years Visa Works
The UAE’s five-year tourist visa offers travellers the flexibility to enter and exit the country numerous times, provided they spend at least 90 days per visit. However, visitors must adhere to the yearly limit of 180 days for their stay.
Introduced in 2021 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister, Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai, this visa initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s position as a leading global economic hub. Simplifying travel procedures, the visa facilitates extended stays for tourists and business travellers, fostering family reunions and enhancing the country’s appeal for leisure and commerce.
“The five-year tourist visa response has been good, but it has been rolled out softly right now. We are working with authorities closely to ensure that we roll out on a much bigger scale very soon – because the multi-entry visa will again help us a lot (in terms of attracting tourists), especially with the nearby region,” Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told Khaleej Times.
“For example, India already [accounts for] over a million visitors to the city in the first 10 months. So if they have a multi-entry visa, Dubai is en route to Europe and the US. So, it makes it much easier for them to stop over, and to come for events and concerts becomes very easy. It is something [with which] we are working very closely with the authorities and hopefully, we will be rolling that out on a much bigger scale,” he added.
How To Apply For UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
To apply for the visa, individuals can conveniently submit their applications online through either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website, the Federal Authorities for Citizenship, Customs, Identity, and Ports Security (ICP) portal, or the GDRFA-Dubai Smart Application. Applicants must attach the necessary documents and complete the fee payment process during the online submission.
The UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa Required Documents
The required documents for the application of the UAE visa are
- Six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $4,000, or its equivalent in other foreign currencies
- Proof of UAE health insurance,
- A coloured passport-sized photo with a white background
- The front and last page of the passport
- A copy of the flight ticket
- Hotel booking or lease agreement and proof of residence such as an invitation letter from family or friends living in UAE.
Recall that the United Arab Emirates government suspended visa approval for Nigerians in 2022. Flight operations between Nigeria and Dubai were also suspended by Emirates and Etihad Airways.