Dubai has announced that tourists will be able to apply for single and multiple entry visas through the Visit Dubai website, subject to eligibility and approvals. Gulf News reports that Sheikh Hamdan launched the measure on 1 November as part of a Shared Digital Channels initiative, and its flight list of 2 November says the service opens from November, with GDRFA Dubai assessing applications and issuing the visas. Khaleej Times's report of 1 November gives no launch date, and neither report names the eligible nationalities.
Nothing published so far changes the position for Pakistani passport holders, whose visit visas are being issued through registered travel agents with close checks on documents, so applicants should continue to use a registered agent until the eligibility rules are published. Decisions on every application remain with the immigration authorities.
Sources
- Gulf News, Khitam Al Amir gulfnews.com/uae/government/sheikh-hamdan-launches-three-initiatives-to-boost-dubais-global-tourism-competitiveness-1.500731866
- Khaleej Times, Supreeta Balasubramanian khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai-tourism-loyalty-programme-visit-visa-sheikh-hamdan
- Gulf News, Lekshmy Pavithran gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-flight-updates-today-latest-cancellations-delays-and-dubai-tourism-plans-1.500732183
This update states what the sources above reported on the date shown. It is general information, not legal advice, and the position can change at short notice. Read how our travel advisories are researched and signed.