Are you a tourist in the UAE? You can go cashless and start using a local debit card, as soon as you land in the country, thanks to the Tourist Identity initiative.
What is the Tourist Identity initiative?
On April 30, the UAE Central Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), announced the launch of digital bank account opening services through the Tourist Identity initiative. The service enables non-resident visitors to open digital bank accounts instantly and securely.
For tourists, this means they receive a trusted digital identity upon arrival in the UAE, supported by advanced technologies, including biometrics and facial recognition. Through the integration of ICP’s platform with ADCB’s mobile banking application, the initiative delivers a fully digital experience – visitors can open bank accounts within minutes and immediately access essential banking services, including digital debit cards, for instant use.
The Tourist Identity also connects tourists directly to the national payment ecosystem, including Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme, wherein users can pay via local debit and pre-paid cards, and enjoy lower costs for e-payment transactions with UAE-based merchants. Tourists can also take advantage of Aani, an instant digital payment platform launched by the Central Bank and operated by Al Etihad Payments, wherein they can transfer money across the UAE in seconds, just by using the recipient’s mobile number, email address or QR code.
The initiative supports UAE’s cashless strategy, which eventually aims to make all payments in the city digital, with reduced reliance on cash transactions, and stronger consumer protection frameworks.
Eligibility criteria for ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account
In order to be able to apply for a tourist bank account at ADCB, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- You must be 18 years old or above.
- You 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 to open the account.
- You must be physically present in the UAE at the time of account opening.
Key features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account
Before applying for a tourist account, it’s important to understand how it works. Here are the key features of ADCB’s Instant Tourist Account:
- It is a savings account, available in Dirhams only.
- There is no minimum account opening balance.
- It is a digital-only account. You can access banking services, raise service request, and submit complaints conveniently through the ADCB mobile banking app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- A digital debit card is issued by default, and can be activated through the ADCB app.
- If you require a physical debit card, you can request it via uBank, ADCB’s digital banking centre that operates via smart kiosks, subject to applicable issuance fees. Discover uBank locations, across the UAE, here: adcb.com/en/ways-to-bank/ubank
- The debit card can be used within the UAE only, for ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, online payments and in supported digital wallets.
- International transfers are supported through a registered international account under your name.
- While your Instant Tourist Account is active, you will not be eligible to open, hold, or apply for any other ADCB banking or financial products.
Key considerations before applying
- A monthly maintenance fee of Dh25 is applicable (waived with a minimum balance of Dh2,500).
- You must register one international account under your name for international transfers.
- The Instant Tourist Account is available for a limited period during your visit to the UAE, subject to:
- International transfers and any remaining balance upon account closure will be credited only to the registered international account, where applicable.
- If you obtain a UAE residence visa, your Instant Tourist Account must be closed, and a new account opened (based on eligibility).
- Conversion of the Instant Tourist Account is not permitted.
- An Instant Tourist Account cannot be opened as a joint account.
How to apply for a Instant Tourist Account
- Download the ‘ADCB’ mobile banking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Tap on ‘New to ADCB? Start your journey’.
- Select ‘Accounts’. Choose the account type: ‘ADCB Instant Tourist Account’.
- Scan your passport via the app, and perform biometric verification. Fill in your personal details.
- A digital debit card will be instantly activated for use in the app.