UAE has tightened visa rules. Due to this, Indian tourists going to Dubai are facing difficulties. There is a huge jump in the visa rejection rate of Indian tourists. This is making it difficult for tourists to travel to Dubai.
Dubai: Dubai of the United Arab Emirates attracts millions of tourists from India every year. In 2023, more than 60 lakh tourists from India arrived in Dubai. Despite this, a recent report has claimed that a large number of Indian tourists visiting Dubai have been denied visas. The visa rejection rate has increased from 1-2 percent to 5-6 percent, which is the highest in the last several years. In such a situation, Indians are losing thousands of rupees in non-refundable flight and hotel bookings. Apart from this, their entire travel planning is going in vain. In such a situation, know why this is happening.
Why is Dubai canceling visas
At one time about 99 percent of Dubai visa applications were approved. However, now the UAE authorities are rejecting even the most well-crafted requests. According to a report by our sister publication Times of India, at least five-six applications out of every 100 applications are rejected every day. Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd, told the Times of India, “Earlier, the rejection rate for Dubai visas was only one to two per cent. This was before the new rules came into effect. Now we are getting at least five to six visas rejected out of about 100 applications per day. Even when details of confirmed flight tickets and hotel accommodation are included, visa applications are still being rejected.”
Travellers are losing money
Travellers who have already made their hotel and airline reservations as well as paid the processing fees for their visas are losing money as a result of the new rules. According to the report, Rishikesh Pujari, director of Vihar Travels, said, “We are seeing unprecedented rejection rates (for tourist visa applications for Dubai). Earlier, about 99 per cent of Dubai visa applications were approved. Now, visa forms of even well-prepared travellers are being rejected.”
Know UAE’s new visa rules
The UAE introduced stricter norms for tourist visa applications for Dubai last month, leading to a rise in visa rejection rates. When applying for a visa under the new law, travellers will have to upload a copy of their return ticket to the immigration department’s website. Previously, airport officials had to request these documents.
Passengers will have to show hotel reservations
Also, travellers will have to submit proof of hotel reservations or other proof of their intended accommodation in Dubai. Mezooners who plan to stay with family members will have to submit a copy of their residency visa, their Emirates ID, rental agreement from their host and their contact information. Additionally, visitors are expected to show that they have sufficient funds to stay in the city. This includes bank statements or sponsorship letters.
How much money should you have in your pocket for a Dubai trip
For a two-month visa, applicants must have at least AED 5,000 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) in their credit or debit accounts; for a three-month visa, they must have AED 3,000. Tourist visa applications can be processed both online and through authorised travel firms. However, businessmen, individuals or families can still apply for a visit visa.
