Recent changes to Dubai’s visa policies have significantly raised the difficulty for Indian tourists to obtain visas, resulting in a sharp spike in rejection rates.
Travel agents report that visa rejections have risen to 5-6%, compared to the previous rate of just 1-2%. This surge in rejections has caused financial strain on both travelers and travel agencies, with many applicants losing their visa fees and facing additional costs due to pre-booked flights and accommodations.
Under the updated guidelines, travelers are now required to submit proof of confirmed return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and accommodation details if staying with relatives—a stipulation that was not strictly enforced previously. Many travelers, unaware of these new requirements, have found their applications denied.
Rishikesh Pujari, Director of Bihar Travels, shared that rejection rates have reached unprecedented levels, with even well-prepared travelers facing challenges. He recounted an instance where a group of 35 had to cancel their trip because one family member’s visa was rejected.
Similarly, Vijay Thakkar from Hasmukh Travels reported that two travelers had their visa applications denied despite submitting all necessary documents. Nikhil Kumar of Paisio Travels also noted that the rejection rate has risen drastically, even for applications with confirmed flight and hotel details.
The updated Dubai visa requirements include:
- Confirmed Return Flight Tickets: Applicants must submit a copy of their return flight tickets.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of hotel bookings or arrangements for staying with relatives is now mandatory.
- Financial Resources: Applicants need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their trip, which can include bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Submission Process: Visa applications can be submitted online or through authorized travel agents, with identical documentation required for both tourist and visit visas.
These changes reflect a major shift in Dubai’s approach to tourist visas, leaving many Indian travelers uncertain about their ability to secure entry into the UAE.
