If you keep returning to the same country for reason ranging from business, family, or because it’s become your favourite getaway, applying each time for a new visa can feel like running on a treadmill. A multiple entry visa is the simple solution: one application that lets you come and go multiple times within a set period.
A quick story: a cousin of mine used a multiple-entry visa for six months of work-and-weekend trips to Dubai. They handled a conference, a family visit and a surprise long weekend, all under one visa. It felt annoyingly obvious that they could’ve been doing this earlier.
What it actually gives you:
- Convenience. No repeated appointments, no repeated fees.
- Flexibility. Travel plans change; this visa keeps options open.
- Predictability. You know how many entries and the validity period up front.
But there are nuances. Some countries issue multiple-entry visas that allow only short stays per visit (for example, 30 days at a time, even though the visa is valid for a year). Others limit how many times per month you can enter. Read the terms — they’re short but important.
Types and common uses:
- Double-entry visas — two entries only. Useful for a specific back-and-forth trip.
- Multiple-entry visas — more than two entries; these are for frequent travellers.
- Business vs tourist — both can be multiple-entry, but business visas sometimes require invitation letters or company documentation.
How to apply — the practical checklist:
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Photos in the correct size.
- Proof of funds (bank statements).
- Itinerary or proof of business purpose (invitations, meeting schedules).
- Visa fee and payment receipt.
- Past travel history (if asked) — show previous visas or entry stamps.
Common pitfalls (learned the hard way):
- Assuming “validity” equals “stay length.” A one-year visa might still restrict visits to 30 days each.
- Forgetting to check the number of allowed entries. Not all “multiple-entry” visas are unlimited.
- Neglecting to carry supporting documents — border officers sometimes ask for a meeting invite or hotel booking.
Timing and processing:
Processing times vary. Apply well ahead if you have fixed plans but at the same time not so early that your passport expires before travel. If you need a renewal then some countries require you to wait in your home country; others let you apply from abroad.
Final thoughts:
A multiple entry visa isn’t a magic wand, but for frequent travellers it cuts the friction out of repeat trips. A little attention to the small print saves a lot of last-minute scrambling.