Planning a trip to Dubai just got a whole lot less complicated. From this month, Visit Dubai will let you apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, with more visa categories planned for the future. I have all the important details you need to know, so keep reading to find out more.
What’s Already On The Site
The new service, set to launch this month, was announced by Sheikh Hamdan. There’s already a visa information section on Visit Dubai. It lists the different tourist visa categories, application fees, required documents and processing times. And now your visa application will live on the same platform you already use to explore attractions, book tickets, discover events and plan your holiday.
Fees start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, before VAT. Applications are usually processed within three working days.
What Changes For You?
At the moment, if you need a prearranged tourist visa, you can apply through existing government channels, authorised travel agencies, or airlines such as Emirates and flydubai. Visit Dubai will now be another option. Nothing changes behind the scenes. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will still assess applications and issue visas. More details about the new service will be shared in due course. This is part of the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, which aims to bring government services together on unified digital platforms. The goal is to spare you from jumping between multiple websites and apps.
Which Visa Is Right For You?
First, check whether you need one at all:
- Visa on arrival: citizens of more than 80 countries are eligible.
- GCC nationals: you can enter without a visa.
- GCC residents: you can apply for an e-visa.
If you do need a tourist visa, Visit Dubai currently lists three categories: single-entry, multiple-entry and a five-year multiple-entry visa. Both the single-entry and multiple-entry visas come in 30-day and 60-day options.
For all the details you need to know and to kick start your application, head to the Visit Dubai Website and get started!
