Dubai has made a string of visa changes recently. Some make visiting easier; others affect residents who want to stay long-term. If you plan to visit, move, or renew, here’s a quick guide.
1. Visa on Arrival Expanded
More nationalities can now get a visa on arrival, including travellers from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. There’s a condition, though. They must hold a valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, an EU country, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, or the USA. Family members travelling with them are covered too. Stays can last 14, 28, or 60 days.
2. Tourist Visas in About 48 Hours
Single-entry tourist visas for 30 or 60 days are now usually processed within 48 working hours. You need a passport (or a national ID for some nationalities) and a photo. You can apply through authorised travel agents, airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, select hotels, and visa portals.
3. Easier Two-Year Property Owner Visa
The Dubai Land Department has relaxed the rules. Sole owners no longer face the old Dh750,000 minimum. For jointly owned homes, the minimum is Dh400,000 per investor, even when ownership is split equally. All applications still need approval.
4. More Perks for Golden Visa Holders
Holders of the 10-year Golden Visa can now get consular help when travelling abroad, a service once limited to Emirati citizens. It was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the ICP at GITEX Global 2025.
5. More People Can Get a Golden Visa
Waqf donors now qualify under the humanitarian supporters category, thanks to an agreement between GDRFA and Awqaf. Initiatives also exist for influencers and gaming professionals, and teachers and nurses can apply too.
6. New Visit Visa Categories
The ICP announced four new visit visa types for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and cruise ships and leisure boats. Some existing visas, including those for friends of residents and truck drivers, were also adjusted.
7. The GCC Tourist Visa Is Still Pending
The Schengen-style “GCC Grand Tours” visa would cover the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The GCC Secretary General said it’s in its final approval phase, but it isn’t live, and the source notes no 2026 rollout announcement.
8. Renewals Now Prompt You to Pay Traffic Fines
When you renew your residency, you’ll be asked to settle outstanding traffic fines first, either in full or through an interest-free installment plan. It’s a prompt, not a block. Cancelling a residence permit also requires proof that you have no fines.
Before You Go
Visa rules change often, so check the official GDRFA or ICP pages before applying. If you’re visiting, the festive season is a good time. Falguni Pathak is performing live in Dubai, and you can read what we know about the Falguni Pathak show at Zabeel Park. And if you’re planning rail travel around the UAE, here’s how three new bus routes will get you to Al Dhaid station.