TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– This aim of this research was to discern the impacts that the visa application process has on destination perception and choice. Visas are used to respect border integrity, minimize illegal migration and reciprocate international relations. Design/methodology/approach– The research surveyed a sample of the Dubai resident population, targeting individuals who have previously been required to apply for travel visas. Findings– The outcomes of the research revealed that while visa application procedures were felt to be a “necessary bother”, certain factors such as: visa processing times and fees left participants with a negative perception of the destination, especially for travellers motivated by travel budgets, flight prices and visiting family and friends at the destination. Research limitations/implications– With available technology and the benefits of visa facilitation: cost savings, increasing tourism revenue and creating loyalty with legitimate visitors, today's nations have no excuse for not developing their policies and procedures in line with modern methods. Originality/value– For the first time, a measure of the impacts that visa application policies have on traveller destination perception and choice was assessed. VL - 6 IS - 4 SN - 1755-4217 DO - 10.1108/WHATT-01-2014-0001 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-01-2014-0001 AU - Duerrmeier Rizzi Marina PY - 2014 Y1 - 2014/01/01 TI - Travel visa impacts on destination choice and perception T2 - Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 305 EP - 316 Y2 - 2024/09/23 ER -