A 90-day stay in the UAE is available primarily through the 5-year multiple entry tourist visa, which grants 90 days per visit and can be extended for a further 90 days, rather than as a standalone “90-day visa” applied for on its own. Some nationalities with strong bilateral agreements with the UAE also receive up to 90 days as part of visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. Eligibility for the 5-year visa requires proof of financial means (around USD 4,000 held for 6 months), valid health insurance covering at least 180 days, and proof of onward travel.
A genuine 90-day stay in Dubai almost always comes from one of two sources: either your passport nationality already qualifies for a long visa-free or visa-on-arrival stay, or you hold the UAE’s 5-year multiple entry tourist visa. Understanding which route applies to you avoids confusion with the more common 30-day standard visa.
Ways to Get a 90-Day Stay in the UAE
| Route | Eligibility | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 5-year multiple entry visa | Meets financial and insurance criteria, all nationalities | 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 |
| Visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry | Select nationalities with strong UAE bilateral agreements | Up to 90 days depending on nationality |
| Standard tourist visa | Most other nationalities | 30 days, extendable once to 60 |
Requirements for the 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
- Proof of financial means, typically a bank balance equivalent to around USD 4,000 held for the past 6 months.
- Valid health insurance, applicable in the UAE and covering a minimum of 180 days.
- Proof of return or continuing travel from the UAE.
- Valid passport, with sufficient remaining validity for the visa period.
This visa allows entry multiple times over 5 years on self-sponsorship, with each visit permitting a 90-day stay, extendable for a further 90 days per visit if needed.
Check your eligibility for the 5-year visa →
Who Gets 90 Days Through Visa-Free or Visa-On-Arrival Entry
A number of nationalities, largely from Western Europe, North America, and parts of Asia-Pacific, receive up to 90 days automatically through their existing visa-free or visa-on-arrival status, without needing to apply for the 5-year visa specifically. This depends entirely on your passport’s specific bilateral agreement with the UAE, so it’s worth confirming your exact entitlement rather than assuming.
How to Apply for a 90-Day Stay
- Check your passport’s standard entitlement first, since some nationalities already receive up to 90 days automatically.
- If not, consider the 5-year multiple entry visa, provided you meet the financial and insurance requirements.
- Gather proof of funds and health insurance before applying.
- Submit your application through a licensed agent, airline, or the ICP portal.
- Plan for the extension option if you might need beyond 90 days on a single visit.
Plan Your Extended UAE Stay
Whether through your passport’s existing entitlement or the 5-year multiple entry visa, getting the right route confirmed early makes for a smoother trip. Check your visa options or get a free quote, consultants respond within 2 hours.
