Published on : 02 Nov 2026
Tourists will be able to apply for single- and multiple-entry visas to Dubai on the city’s official tourism website, Visit Dubai, under a plan announced on Sunday, November 1 — with fees starting at Dh200 and typical processing of three working days.
The new channel was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince, who said it will be introduced this month, with more visa categories planned. Alongside it, Dubai announced the Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors.
For readers in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the headline needs one important caveat: citizens of all five countries are on the UAE’s visa-free or visa-on-arrival lists, so most will not need a pre-arranged tourist visa at all. The change matters most for travellers who do — including people living in these countries who hold other passports. Here is what is confirmed and what is still unclear.
Published: November 2, 2026 — Monday Announced: Sunday, November 1, 2026, by Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai Launch: “This month” (November); no exact date given Where: The official Visit Dubai website, which already lists visa categories, fees, documents and processing times Fees: From Dh200 (excluding VAT) for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa — about US$54 Processing: Typically three working days Visa types listed: Single-entry, multiple-entry and five-year multiple-entry; the single- and multiple-entry visas come in 30-day and 60-day options Who issues the visa: GDRFA Dubai continues to assess applications and issue visas Existing routes: Government channels, authorised travel agencies and airlines such as Emirates and flydubai remain available Access Club: Invitation-only programme for repeat visitors; benefits and eligibility not yet detailed Do UK, US, Canadian, Australian and NZ passport holders need it? Generally no — see below
Until now, travellers who need a pre-arranged tourist visa for Dubai have applied through government channels, authorised travel agencies, or airlines such as Emirates and flydubai. Visit Dubai, the tourism site used to plan trips and book attractions and events, will become an additional place to apply, so visitors can handle planning and the visa on one platform.
GDRFA Dubai, the residency and foreigners’ affairs authority, will still check applications and issue the visas. Its director general described the change as a step toward integrating services into a single digital journey while maintaining security and efficiency. The step is part of a wider government push to bring services onto shared digital platforms. More details on the service will be announced later.
| Visa Type | Options | Fee Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry tourist visa | 30 days or 60 days | From Dh200 (excluding VAT) for the 30-day version; other fees to be confirmed |
| Multiple-entry tourist visa | 30 days or 60 days | Not confirmed in announcements |
| Five-year multiple-entry visa | Five years | Not confirmed in announcements |
| Processing time | Typically three working days | Confirmed on the website |
Check the Visit Dubai website for current fees, documents and processing times before you apply; they may change when the service launches.
Dubai’s tourism website says citizens of more than 80 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, and GCC nationals can enter without one. Other recent guides count the list differently, from about 70 to 96 nationalities, depending on whether they count visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry separately.
| Traveller | Pre-Arranged Tourist Visa Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK, US, Canadian, Australian and NZ citizens | Generally no | Eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. Emirates’ most recent list shows 90 days (multiple entry within six months) for these passports, while some older guides give 30 days for US and Australian citizens — check the length of stay with GDRFA or your airline before you travel |
| People living in these countries with other passports | Possibly | Some nationals holding qualifying residence permits or visas from the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other listed countries can get visa-on-arrival or a pre-approved entry permit — requirements vary by nationality |
| Travellers who want a longer or multiple-entry visa | Possibly | The 60-day and five-year multiple-entry options may suit longer or repeat stays |
| Travellers on other passports who need a visa | Yes | The new Visit Dubai channel adds another way to apply |
This is general guidance. Entry rules differ by nationality and can change; check the official GDRFA or Emirates entry-requirements pages for your passport.
| Question | What Has Been Said |
|---|---|
| What is it? | The world’s first city-wide tourism loyalty programme, per Dubai’s announcement |
| Who can join? | Invitation only, aimed at repeat visitors |
| What do members get? | Exclusive experiences, services and benefits that make returning to Dubai more rewarding |
| How do you get an invitation? | Not yet announced |
| When does it start? | Not yet announced |
| What’s the goal? | Sheikh Hamdan says Dubai aims to be among the world’s top three tourism destinations |
Dubai says more visa categories will be added in future. The exact launch date, full fee schedule and the details of the Access Club are still to be announced. We’ll update this article when the Visit Dubai service goes live.
Posted By : Vinay
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on information available at the time of publication. Travel advisories, airline schedules, airport operations, visa requirements, government regulations, and other travel-related information are subject to change without prior notice. While Travel Tourister makes reasonable efforts to verify information using official announcements, government publications, airline and airport communications, and other reliable sources, we cannot guarantee that all information remains complete, accurate, or up to date at all times. Readers should independently verify any information that may affect their travel plans with the relevant airline, airport authority, government agency, embassy, or other official source before making travel, financial, or other decisions. Travel Tourister shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, inconvenience, or damages arising from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article. Nothing in this publication constitutes legal, immigration, financial, or professional travel advice. If you believe any information in this article is inaccurate or outdated, please contact our editorial team. We review all credible correction requests promptly and update our content whenever appropriate.
Lastest News
2nd Floor, 39, Above Kirti Club, DLF Industrial Area, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110015
Travel Tourister is a leading Travel portal where we introduce travellers to trusted travel agents to make their journey hasselfree, memorable And happy. Travel Tourister is a platform where travellers get Tour packages ,Hotel packages deals through trusted travel companies And hoteliers who are working with us across the world. We always try to find new and more travel agents and hoteliers from every nook and corners across the world so that you could compare the deals with different travel agents and hoteliers and book your tour or hotel with the one you have chosen according to your taste and budget.
Copyright © Travel Tourister, India. All Rights Reserved
Call
Enquiry