Dubai Opens Tourist Visa Applications via Official Visit Dubai Website

Dubai has introduced a new facility allowing international tourists to apply for visas directly through its official tourism website, Visit Dubai. The initiative was announced by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is aimed at simplifying the entry process for visitors to the emirate.

Under the new system, the website presents a full breakdown of visa categories, applicable fees, required documents and expected processing times, giving travellers clearer information before they apply. A 30-day single-entry visa, for example, is priced at Dh200 excluding VAT and is typically processed within three working days.

The Visit Dubai portal currently lists single-entry, multiple-entry and five-year multiple-entry tourist visas. For single-entry and multiple-entry categories, applicants can select between 30-day and 60-day options depending on the length of their planned stay.

Visa approval and issuance will remain with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), which will continue to review each application. Authorities have indicated that additional details about the online service will be shared in due course.

The emirate already offers relatively open access for many travellers. Citizens of more than 80 countries can obtain a visa on arrival, while nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council states may enter Dubai without a visa at all. The new online channel is expected to make the process more convenient for visitors who require a visa in advance.

The announcement reflects Dubai's continued focus on tourism as a core part of its economy and on digital services that reduce friction for international visitors. For travellers from Pakistan and other markets, the Visit Dubai portal provides a central place to check eligibility, costs and documentation before starting an application.