Planning a Dubai holiday may get a little easier. Travellers could soon find tourist visa application services on Visit Dubai, the city's official tourism website. The new facility is expected to start in November 2026.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the plan on November 1. The facility will initially cover single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas. More visa categories may be added later.
How Will the New Facility Work?
At present, travellers usually arrange their Dubai tourist visas through authorised travel agencies, airline partners, or government platforms.
The new plan brings visa services to Visit Dubai. This means people planning a holiday will have another place to access visa application services instead of looking across different platforms.
But there is something travelers should understand. Dubai is not introducing a new tourist visa through this announcement. It is adding a new platform for accessing existing visa services.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai will continue to handle visa approvals. The new website will not mean automatic visa approval for applicants.
What Does This Mean for Indian Travellers?
For Indians planning a holiday in Dubai, the facility could make the application process more convenient. However, it is not yet clear whether travelers will be able to apply entirely on their own or will still need an authorized travel agency or sponsor.
Dubai has also announced the Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only program for frequent visitors. Selected members will receive access to special tourism experiences and benefits.
The new visa facility is expected to go live in November. Until the authorities release the full application details, travelers should continue using the existing visa application channels. For now, the biggest change is where visitors may be able to access visa services, not the visa rules themselves.Check Your Eligibility -
