Dubai to accept tourist visa applications on Visit Dubai
Dubai will add single and multiple-entry tourist visa applications to Visit Dubai this month. Fees start at AED 200 and processing is typically 3 working days.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
Dubai will start taking Visit Dubai tourist visa applications this month for single-entry and multiple-entry visas, according to Khaleej Times. For travellers and UAE residents helping organise trips, it means one more official channel, with visa details, fees and holiday planning on the same platform.
The change was announced on Sunday, November 1, by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as part of two measures for Dubai's tourism sector. The second measure is Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors.
What Visit Dubai tourist visa applications will change
Right now, travellers who need a prearranged tourist visa can apply through existing government channels, authorised travel agencies, and airlines including Emirates and flydubai.
Under the new move, Visit Dubai will become another place to apply. It does not replace visa checks by the authorities.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, known as GDRFA Dubai, will continue to assess applications and issue visas. More details on how the service will work are expected later.
A visa information section is already live on the Visit Dubai website. It lists:
- tourist visa categories
- application fees
- required documents
- processing times
According to GDRFA Dubai, the move is part of the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, which aims to bring services together on unified digital platforms and cut the need to switch between multiple websites and apps.
Dubai tourist visa fees and processing time on Visit Dubai
The Visit Dubai website says fees start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, excluding VAT. It also says applications are typically processed within 3 working days.
That is the starting point published on the website. The source text does not list all fees for every visa type.
Here is what the website currently lists for tourist visa categories:
| Visa category | Options mentioned in source |
|---|---|
| Single-entry tourist visa | 30-day, 60-day |
| Multiple-entry tourist visa | 30-day, 60-day |
| Five-year multiple-entry visa | Listed on website |
If you are already in the UAE and need to understand your stay options, our guide to UAE Visit Visa Extension: Who Can Extend, Fees and Day Limits may help.
Who needs a tourist visa for Dubai
According to the Visit Dubai website, citizens of more than 80 countries can get a visa on arrival in Dubai.
It also says:
- GCC nationals can enter without a visa
- GCC residents can apply for an e-visa
- travellers who require a tourist visa can use the listed tourist visa categories
That matters because some travellers will not need this new application route at all, while others may prefer it because it keeps trip planning and visa information in one place.
For residents here, this mainly looks like an admin change rather than a change to visa policy. The visa categories already exist. What changes is the application channel.
If you are also planning the practical side of a visit, you may want to check Dubai Flights Suspended: Which Airlines Are Still Paused in 2026 and Dubai Taxi Fares: The Cheapest Times to Book and When Prices Jump.
What travellers should do before applying
Until full details are released, the safest step is to check the Visit Dubai visa section carefully and compare it with your existing application route.
Before you apply, make sure you know:
- whether you qualify for visa on arrival
- whether you need single-entry or multiple-entry
- whether you need a 30-day or 60-day option
- the listed documents for your category
- the published fee and whether VAT is extra
Because GDRFA Dubai will still assess and issue visas, applicants should also watch for official updates once the new service goes live this month.
Key takeaway
Dubai is adding Visit Dubai as a new channel for tourist visa applications this month, starting with single-entry and multiple-entry options. Fees on the website start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry visa, excluding VAT, and processing is typically 3 working days, but final approval will still sit with GDRFA Dubai.
FAQ
When will Visit Dubai start taking tourist visa applications?
The service will be introduced this month, after the announcement made on Sunday, November 1. More operational details are expected later.
How much is a Dubai tourist visa on Visit Dubai?
According to the website, fees start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, excluding VAT. The source text does not give the full fee list for every visa type.
How long does a Dubai tourist visa take to process?
The website says applications are typically processed within 3 working days. GDRFA Dubai will still assess the application and issue the visa.
Can I still apply through airlines or travel agencies?
Yes. The source says travellers can currently apply through existing government channels, authorised travel agencies, and airlines such as Emirates and flydubai. Visit Dubai is being added as another channel.
Do all travellers need to use this new visa service?
No. Citizens of more than 80 countries are eligible for visa on arrival in Dubai, according to the Visit Dubai website. GCC nationals can enter without a visa, while GCC residents can apply for an e-visa.
Further reading
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