UAE to issue multiple-entry five-year visas for tourists, offers visa waiver for Mexicans

The UAE has announced plans to issue five-year multi-entry tourist visas for all nationalities visiting the country.

The decision was made during the UAE Cabinet’s first meeting in 2020, which was chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The move comes in a bid to support the UAE’s tourism economy and will be implemented in the first quarter of this year, a statement said.

Details about the fee structure for the new visas have not yet been disclosed.

Currently, the UAE welcomes about 21 million visitors each year and offers tourists a multiple entry visa for up to 90 days.

Another key decision made during the cabinet meeting was the introduction of a visa waiver for Mexican citizens travelling to the UAE.

The move will facilitate the entry, exit and passage for nationals of both countries without the need to apply for a visa, the statement said.

It will “improve existing bilateral relations with other countries” through enhancing collaboration in the tourism, economic and investment fields.

The decision will also open up new prospects for UAE passport holders in tourism, investment and commerce and will facilitate their movements between the two countries, the statement added.

The waiver, first announced in October 2018, will be implemented in the first quarter of 2020.

Read: UAE, Mexico announce visa waiver

The move comes even as Dubai airline started flights to Mexico City via Barcelona late last year.

Read: Emirates to launch daily services to Mexico City via Barcelona

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that 2019 was a year of achievements, and said preparations were underway for 2020.

“We want 2020 to be a year of development, growth and competition with leading countries in economy, competitiveness and wellbeing,” he said.

“We do not want our achievements to be limited to one segment of society. We want them to be diversified to touch the lives of seniors, children and people of determination, both for UAE nationals and residents, students and employees, entrepreneurs and investors, alike.”

He also stressed that the UAE was gearing up for the next 50 years.

“The preparation for the next 50 years is a challenge we accept along with our federal teams. We are confident that these teams are up for the challenge and able to create a positive change in the lives of our citizens and to achieve the objectives of the agenda 2021,” he said.

“The year 2020 leaves behind 50 years of achievements, and welcomes 50 years of perseverance and hard work in the service of the nation and its citizens,” he added.

Read: UAE leaders herald 2020 as the preparation year for the next 50