UAE Launches Instant Tourist Bank Accounts, Empowering Visitors with Cashless Banking Solutions

The UAE Central Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), has introduced the Tourist Identity initiative. This program allows visitors to the UAE to access banking services and obtain digital debit cards immediately upon arrival.

Overview of the Tourist Identity Initiative

Launched on April 30, the Tourist Identity initiative enables non-resident visitors to open digital bank accounts quickly and securely. This service provides tourists with a trusted digital identity supported by advanced technologies such as biometrics and facial recognition. By integrating ICP’s platform with ADCB’s mobile banking application, the initiative offers a fully digital experience, allowing visitors to establish bank accounts within minutes and gain immediate access to essential banking services.

The Tourist Identity connects tourists to the national payment ecosystem, including Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme. This connection allows users to make payments using local debit and prepaid cards while benefiting from lower costs for e-payment transactions with UAE-based merchants. Additionally, tourists can utilize Aani, an instant digital payment platform launched by the Central Bank and operated by Al Etihad Payments, facilitating money transfers across the UAE in seconds using the recipient’s mobile number, email address, or QR code.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s cashless strategy, which aims to transition all payments in the city to digital formats, reducing reliance on cash transactions and enhancing consumer protection frameworks.

Eligibility Criteria for ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account

To apply for a tourist bank account at ADCB, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must be a visitor to the UAE with a valid tourist or visit visa (96-hour visas and transit visas are not eligible).
• A valid passport is required for account opening.
• The applicant must be physically present in the UAE at the time of account opening.

Key Features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account

Before applying, it is essential to understand the features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account:

• The account is a savings account available only in Dirhams.
• There is no minimum balance required to open the account.
• It is a digital-only account, allowing access to banking services, service requests, and complaint submissions through the ADCB mobile banking app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• A digital debit card is issued by default and can be activated through the ADCB app.
• If a physical debit card is required, it can be requested via uBank, ADCB’s digital banking center operating through smart kiosks, subject to applicable issuance fees.
• The debit card can only be used within the UAE for ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, online payments, and in supported digital wallets.
• International transfers are supported through a registered international account under the account holder’s name.
• While the Instant Tourist Account is active, the holder is not eligible to open, hold, or apply for any other ADCB banking or financial products.

Key Considerations Before Applying

Potential applicants should consider the following before applying for the Instant Tourist Account:

• A monthly maintenance fee of Dh25 applies, which is waived with a minimum balance of Dh2,500.
• One international account must be registered under the applicant’s name for international transfers.
• The Instant Tourist Account is available for a limited duration during the visitor’s stay in the UAE, subject to specific conditions:
  • International transfers and any remaining balance upon account closure will be credited only to the registered international account.
  • If the account holder obtains a UAE residence visa, the Instant Tourist Account must be closed, and a new account opened based on eligibility.
  • Conversion of the Instant Tourist Account to a different type is not permitted.
  • The Instant Tourist Account cannot be opened as a joint account.

How to Apply for an Instant Tourist Account

To apply for an Instant Tourist Account, follow these steps:

1. Download the ‘ADCB’ mobile banking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Tap on ‘New to ADCB? Start your journey’.
3. Select ‘Accounts’ and choose the account type: ‘ADCB Instant Tourist Account’.
4. Scan your passport via the app and perform biometric verification. Fill in your personal details.
5. A digital debit card will be activated for immediate use within the app.

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-05-17 08:44:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk