Dubai is one of the most popular stopovers for South Africans. It’s also a destination in its own right.
A new official channel for visa applications is on the way. It could make the process simpler, though key details are still missing.
*What’s been announced*
Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced the change. Visitors will be able to apply for tourist visas through Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website.
Both single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas will be covered. More visa categories are expected later.
The initiative is expected to start in November. Further details haven’t been announced yet.
*Who still decides*
Applications will still be assessed by the same authority. That is the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. It will continue to issue the visas.
In other words, the process moves online to one official place. The rules and decision-makers stay the same.
*Part of a bigger digital push*
The visa service is part of Dubai’s Shared Digital Channels Initiative. It aims to put government services on one platform.
Visitors would also be able to discover attractions, buy tickets, explore events and plan itineraries there. That’s the idea, at least.
Dubai is also launching the Dubai Access Club. It is an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors, offering selected members exclusive experiences.
*Why this matters for South Africans*
Most South African passport holders can’t just fly to Dubai without a visa. That’s true even for a stopover with a long layover.
The UAE did extend visa on arrival to South Africans in June 2026. But it is conditional. You need a valid residence permit from certain countries, such as the US, UK, the EU, Singapore or Japan.
For an ordinary South African traveller without such a permit, a visa is still needed in advance. Today that usually runs through airlines or agents.
*What an official channel could change*
An official government-linked website could give travellers a direct, trusted route. That’s useful given how many unofficial visa sites exist.
It may also help with transparency on fees and timelines. The source doesn’t say whether that will happen.
*What we don’t know yet*
The source doesn’t say exactly when the Visit Dubai service starts. It doesn’t give fees or processing times.
It also doesn’t say whether South African applicants can use it from day one. Check the Visit Dubai site for current rules.
*The practical takeaway*
If you’re planning a Dubai trip, check your visa position early. Don’t assume the old process or the new one will suit you.
Use official sources only. Compare with what your airline or Travelstart offers. And keep an eye on Visit Dubai for the launch details.
A new official channel for visa applications is on the way. It could make the process simpler, though key details are still missing.
*What’s been announced*
Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced the change. Visitors will be able to apply for tourist visas through Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website.
Both single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas will be covered. More visa categories are expected later.
The initiative is expected to start in November. Further details haven’t been announced yet.
*Who still decides*
Applications will still be assessed by the same authority. That is the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. It will continue to issue the visas.
In other words, the process moves online to one official place. The rules and decision-makers stay the same.
*Part of a bigger digital push*
The visa service is part of Dubai’s Shared Digital Channels Initiative. It aims to put government services on one platform.
Visitors would also be able to discover attractions, buy tickets, explore events and plan itineraries there. That’s the idea, at least.
Dubai is also launching the Dubai Access Club. It is an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors, offering selected members exclusive experiences.
*Why this matters for South Africans*
Most South African passport holders can’t just fly to Dubai without a visa. That’s true even for a stopover with a long layover.
The UAE did extend visa on arrival to South Africans in June 2026. But it is conditional. You need a valid residence permit from certain countries, such as the US, UK, the EU, Singapore or Japan.
For an ordinary South African traveller without such a permit, a visa is still needed in advance. Today that usually runs through airlines or agents.
*What an official channel could change*
An official government-linked website could give travellers a direct, trusted route. That’s useful given how many unofficial visa sites exist.
It may also help with transparency on fees and timelines. The source doesn’t say whether that will happen.
*What we don’t know yet*
The source doesn’t say exactly when the Visit Dubai service starts. It doesn’t give fees or processing times.
It also doesn’t say whether South African applicants can use it from day one. Check the Visit Dubai site for current rules.
*The practical takeaway*
If you’re planning a Dubai trip, check your visa position early. Don’t assume the old process or the new one will suit you.
Use official sources only. Compare with what your airline or Travelstart offers. And keep an eye on Visit Dubai for the launch details.