Dubai is introducing new initiatives aimed at making visits easier, encouraging international travellers to return and strengthening its position as a leading global tourism destination.
The Dubai Access Club, described as the world’s first city-led tourism membership programme, will offer invited repeat visitors exclusive experiences, services and benefits. The invitation-only initiative is designed to make returning to Dubai more rewarding, although membership eligibility and the full list of benefits have not yet been announced.
The emirate will also introduce a new option for tourists to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry visas through the official Visit Dubai website. The service is expected to be implemented during November 2026, allowing travellers to access visa applications alongside holiday planning tools, attraction information, ticket bookings and event listings.
How can tourists apply for a Dubai visa?
Travellers can visit the official Visit Dubai visa information page to check whether they need a visa and identify the appropriate application option.
The website lists single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, generally available for 30 or 60 days, alongside other visa categories. Applicants should prepare a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph and valid health insurance. Flight tickets and additional documents may also be required depending on the visa category and nationality.
According to the visa information currently published on Visit Dubai, processing generally takes around 48 hours, although timelines may vary depending on the application. The new Visit Dubai application channel is being introduced as part of a wider government initiative to bring visitor services together on a single digital platform.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will continue to assess applications and issue visas. Further details regarding the new application process are expected to be announced.
The initiatives are being developed by GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, which aims to simplify access to government services and improve the overall visitor experience.