Tourists Can Open a Digital Bank Account in the UAE With the New “Tourist Identity” Initiative

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a digital bank account within minutes of landing: no paperwork, no branch visits, no residency required.

It’s especially practical if you’re staying for several weeks, making regular purchases, or want to avoid currency conversion charges on every transaction.

The new “Tourist Identity” initiative, launched on 30 April 2026 by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), gives visitors instant access to a bank account and a digital debit card through their phone.

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Who Is Eligible

You need to be 18 or above and have a valid tourist or visit visa to open the account. The service is designed for non-resident visitors entering the UAE on valid tourist or visit visas.

If you’re on a 96-hour visa or a transit visa, you are not eligible.

You also need a valid passport, but you won’t need any other documents beyond that, according to ADCB’s product page.

How to Open Your Account: Step by Step

The entire process is digital and takes just a few minutes. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Arrive in the UAE. When you clear immigration, the ICP system automatically creates a “Tourist Identity” for you using biometrics and facial recognition captured at the border.
Step 2: Download the ADCB Mobile Banking app. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
Step 3: Open the Instant Tourist Account. Follow the prompts in the app to link your Tourist Identity. The app uses your biometric data for verification; no need to upload documents or visit a branch.
Step 4: Activate your digital debit card. A digital debit card is issued by default and can be activated directly in the app. You can start using it immediately for payments across the UAE.
Step 5: Register an international account. You’ll need to link one international bank account under your name when you open the account, according to ADCB.

What You Get With the Account

The account is a savings account denominated in AED (UAE dirhams) only. It comes with a digital debit card that works for everyday payments and ATM withdrawals within the UAE.

If you prefer a physical card, you can request one through ADCB’s uBank service, though issuance fees will apply. The digital card is ready instantly.

The account also connects you to the UAE’s national payment infrastructure:

Jaywan — the UAE’s national card payment scheme
Aani — the UAE’s instant payment platform for real-time transfers

This means you can pay at shops, restaurants, and attractions digitally instead of carrying cash.

Fees, Limits, and Fine Print

The monthly maintenance fee is AED 26.25 including VAT, but it’s waived if you keep a minimum balance of AED 2,500 in the account, according to ADCB’s Key Facts Statement.

There are a few important restrictions to keep in mind:

The account is temporary. It stays active based on your country exit date, your visit visa validity, or a maximum of six months, subject to a seven-day grace period — whichever comes first.
No joint accounts. The tourist account can only be opened as an individual account.
No other ADCB products. While this account is active, you cannot open, hold, or apply for any other ADCB banking or financial products.
Debit card works within the UAE only. The card issued with this account is for domestic use.
AED only. The account operates in UAE dirhams — no multi-currency options.

Additional services used through ADCB will be subject to their standard service charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the account before I arrive in the UAE?

No — you need to be physically in the UAE. The Tourist Identity is created at immigration using biometrics and facial recognition captured on arrival.

Is the digital debit card accepted everywhere in the UAE?

Yes, it works at any merchant or ATM within the UAE that accepts card payments. However, the card cannot be used for international transactions outside the country.

What happens to my account when I leave the UAE?

The account closes based on your exit date, visa expiry, or after six months, subject to a seven-day grace period — whichever comes first. Transfer any remaining balance before you leave.

Can I use this account if I’m on a transit visa?

No — transit visas and 96-hour visas are not eligible. You need a standard tourist or visit visa to open the Instant Tourist Account.

Is this available at banks other than ADCB?

Currently, ADCB is the only bank offering this service. The initiative was launched in partnership with the Central Bank and ICP, and other banks may join in the future.