Dubai Announces New Tourist Visa Application Service Through Visit Dubai from November 2026
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading international tourism destinations. In a major development for global travellers, the emirate has announced a new tourist visa application service that will allow visitors to apply for selected UAE tourist visas through Visit Dubai, its official tourism website.
Announced on 1 November 2026 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the initiative aims to make the travel planning experience more convenient by bringing tourism information, holiday planning and visa-related services together on a single digital platform.
The new service is expected to be introduced during November 2026 and will support applications for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas.
For travellers planning a holiday in Dubai, as well as international travel agencies and tour operators, this development represents another step towards a more integrated digital travel experience.
What Is the New Dubai Tourist Visa Application Service?
Under the new initiative, Visit Dubai will offer a digital channel through which eligible international visitors can apply for Dubai tourist visas.
Previously, travellers generally explored different visa application channels depending on their nationality, visa category and travel arrangements. The new integration aims to simplify access by bringing tourist visa applications closer to the platform already used by visitors to discover Dubai.
Visit Dubai is the official tourism website of Dubai. It provides information about attractions, hotels, events, experiences and travel planning.
With the introduction of the new service, visitors will be able to access visa-related information alongside their holiday planning activities.
The initiative is being developed through cooperation between:
- General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai)
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Digital Dubai
GDRFA Dubai will continue to be responsible for reviewing visa applications and issuing approved visas.
Which Dubai Tourist Visas Will Be Available?
According to the announcement, the initial service will cover two main tourist visa categories.
1. Dubai Single-Entry Tourist Visa
A single-entry tourist visa is designed for travellers who intend to visit Dubai for one trip.
This option may be suitable for:
- Families planning a Dubai holiday
- Couples travelling for a vacation
- First-time visitors to the UAE
- International tourists visiting Dubai for sightseeing
- Business visitors combining leisure activities with their trip, where permitted
The visa holder must comply with the validity and permitted stay conditions mentioned on the issued visa.
2. Dubai Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
A multiple-entry tourist visa is intended for eligible visitors who may need to enter and leave the UAE more than once during the authorised validity period.
This option can be particularly useful for:
- Frequent international travellers
- Business visitors with multiple meetings in Dubai
- Travellers visiting neighbouring destinations during their UAE trip
- Visitors who regularly return to Dubai
- International travellers with family or business connections in the UAE
The permitted duration of stay and visa validity will depend on the specific visa category approved.
Further details about the new application service and its eligibility conditions should be checked through the official Visit Dubai platform.
How Will the New Visit Dubai Visa Application Process Work?
The new integration is intended to provide travellers with a more convenient way to access tourist visa applications.
The general journey is expected to involve the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Visit Dubai Website
Travellers can visit the official Visit Dubai website to access destination information and the available tourist visa services.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Visa Category
Applicants should identify whether they require a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa, depending on their travel plans and eligibility.
Step 3: Review the Application Requirements
Before submitting an application, travellers should check the required documents, applicable fees, eligibility conditions and processing information.
Step 4: Submit the Required Information
Applicants will need to provide the information and documents requested through the official application channel.
Step 5: Application Assessment
GDRFA Dubai will remain responsible for assessing applications and making the visa issuance decision.
Step 6: Receive the Visa Decision
Applicants should follow the official instructions for receiving and checking their visa status before making their journey.
Please note that the exact application workflow and service conditions may be updated as the new platform is implemented.
What Documents Are Generally Required for a Dubai Tourist Visa?
Visa documentation can vary depending on nationality, applicant profile and visa category.
Commonly requested documents may include:
- Passport with the required remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Confirmed or proposed return flight details, where required
- Accommodation information, where applicable
- Valid UAE health insurance, where required
- Additional supporting documents requested by the relevant authority
Travellers should always check the latest requirements for their particular visa category before submitting an application.
Submitting complete and accurate documentation can help avoid unnecessary application delays.
Will This New Service Replace Dubai Travel Agencies?
No. The announcement introduces another digital application channel; it does not establish that existing authorised visa application channels will be discontinued.
The UAE continues to recognise authorised travel agencies, hotels and airline-related channels for tourist visa arrangements, subject to the relevant rules and eligibility requirements.
For travellers, the availability of an additional official digital channel provides greater convenience and access to visa information.
For travel agencies and Destination Management Companies, it creates an opportunity to offer more informed travel planning and assistance to international clients.
Travel agencies can continue supporting customers with their Dubai holiday arrangements, accommodation, sightseeing experiences, airport transfers and other travel requirements.
What Is Dubai Access Club?
Alongside the new tourist visa application service, Dubai has announced another initiative called Dubai Access Club.
It is an invitation-only tourism membership programme designed specifically for repeat visitors.
The programme aims to strengthen the relationship between Dubai and its returning international visitors by offering selected members access to exclusive experiences, services and benefits.
The initiative is intended to encourage repeat tourism and give visitors additional reasons to return to Dubai.
Further details about membership eligibility, benefits and participation are expected to be announced by the relevant authorities.
How Will the New Dubai Visa Service Benefit Indian Travellers?
India remains an important international source market for Dubai tourism.
The introduction of a centralised digital visa application option through Visit Dubai could make it easier for eligible Indian travellers to access official visa information while planning their holidays.
Some potential advantages include:
- Easier access to tourist visa information
- A more integrated digital travel planning experience
- Access to single-entry and multiple-entry visa options
- Better access to official application information
- Convenient access to tourism services through one platform
Indian travellers should remember that visa requirements depend on passport nationality and individual eligibility. Indian passport holders who qualify for visa-on-arrival arrangements may not need to apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa.
Travellers should verify their eligibility before applying.
What Does This Development Mean for African Travel Agents?
Dubai is a popular international holiday and business destination for travellers from several African markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and South Africa.
The new Visit Dubai visa application channel may improve access to official visa information for eligible international visitors from these markets.
For African travel agencies and tour operators, this development highlights the importance of working with reliable Dubai-based Destination Management Companies.
Travel agents can strengthen their Dubai holiday offerings by combining visa guidance with:
- Hotel reservations
- Dubai holiday packages
- Airport transfers
- Desert safari experiences
- Dubai city sightseeing tours
- Burj Khalifa tickets
- Abu Dhabi excursions
- Family and group travel arrangements
A well-organised holiday experience requires more than a visa. Accommodation, transportation, sightseeing and ground arrangements also play an important role in customer satisfaction.
Why Choose Imperial Getaways for Your Dubai Holiday?
Imperial Getaways Tourism LLC is a Dubai-based Destination Management Company providing destination management and travel services for international travellers and travel trade partners.
We work with travel agencies, tour operators, corporate clients and individual travellers looking for professionally coordinated Dubai travel arrangements.
Our Dubai travel services include:
- Dubai hotel bookings
- Customised Dubai holiday packages
- Airport transfers
- Dubai city tours
- Desert safari experiences
- Burj Khalifa and attraction tickets
- Abu Dhabi sightseeing excursions
- Corporate and group travel arrangements
Whether you are planning a family holiday, honeymoon, group tour or corporate visit, our team can help coordinate your Dubai travel arrangements.
We also work with international travel partners looking for a dependable Dubai-based DMC for destination services and ground arrangements.
For the latest visa requirements and application procedures, travellers should refer to official UAE government and Visit Dubai resources. Visa approval remains entirely subject to the relevant immigration authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai’s New Tourist Visa Service
1. What is the new Dubai tourist visa service announced in November 2026?
Dubai has announced an initiative to integrate tourist visa applications into Visit Dubai, its official tourism website. The service is intended to offer applications for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas.
2. When will the new Visit Dubai visa application service start?
The initiative is scheduled for implementation during November 2026. Travellers should check Visit Dubai for the latest operational updates.
3. Can I apply for a Dubai tourist visa through Visit Dubai?
The new initiative provides a digital application option through the official Visit Dubai platform. Availability and eligibility should be checked on the official website.
4. Which tourist visa categories will be available?
The initial announcement covers single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas. Further visa categories may be introduced in the future.
5. Who will approve the new Dubai tourist visa applications?
GDRFA Dubai will remain responsible for assessing applications and issuing tourist visas.
6. Will the new service replace travel agencies?
The announcement does not indicate that authorised travel agency channels will be discontinued. Travellers can continue exploring eligible application channels under the applicable UAE regulations.
7. Is the new Dubai visa service available for Indian travellers?
Indian travellers can check their eligibility through the official Visit Dubai visa information service. Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport details and the applicable entry rules.
8. Can African nationals use the new Visit Dubai visa service?
Eligible international visitors, including travellers from African countries, can check the available visa options and requirements through the official platform. Individual eligibility and approval conditions apply.
9. What is Dubai Access Club?
Dubai Access Club is an invitation-only tourism membership programme designed to provide repeat visitors with selected benefits, exclusive experiences and services in Dubai.
10. Does the new tourist visa service guarantee visa approval?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. All applications remain subject to assessment and the decision of the relevant immigration authority.
Plan Your Dubai Holiday with Imperial Getaways
Dubai continues to evolve as a leading international destination, with new initiatives designed to make travel more convenient and rewarding.
Whether you are visiting Dubai for the first time or returning for another holiday, staying informed about visa developments can help you prepare your journey more effectively.
For Dubai hotel bookings, customised holiday packages, sightseeing tours, airport transfers and B2B destination management services, connect with Imperial Getaways Tourism LLC.
Discover Dubai. The Imperial Way.
Website: https://imperialgetawaystours.com
Email: info@imperialgetawaystours.com
Dubai Office: Fahidi Heights, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE.
