Indian tourists face rising visa rejections amid UAE’s stricter entry rules: Report

Dubai tourist visa rejections surge amid stricter new policies

Indian tourists planning to visit Dubai are reportedly facing an increasing number of visa rejections due to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) newly enforced stringent tourist visa regulations. The tightened rules have caused uncertainty among travelers, resulting in significant financial losses.

Tougher visa requirements introduced

The UAE’s revised visa policy now requires applicants to provide detailed travel documentation, including:

• Confirmed hotel reservations
• Return flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation (if staying with relatives)
• Three months’ bank statements with a minimum balance of Rs.50,000
• PAN Card details

Previously, the visa approval rate for Dubai stood at a high 99%, but under the new policy, rejections have surged to 5-6% of applications daily, according to a report by The Times of India (ToI).

Travel agents sound the alarm

Nikhil Kumar, Director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd, revealed that even well-prepared visa applications with confirmed flight tickets and hotel bookings are now being rejected. He explained, “Even when we attach mandatory documents like rental agreements, Emirates IDs, and residence visa copies of hosts for clients staying with relatives, the applications are still being turned down.”

Rishikesh Pujari, Director of Vihar Travels, recounted a similar experience, “One of my clients, a family of four, had submitted all the required documents, including confirmed hotel and flight bookings, yet their visa was rejected.”

Vijay Thakkar, Director of Hasmukh Travels, reported a financial loss of ₹34,000 for two passengers after their visas were rejected, despite following all guidelines. “The cost of visa fees and ticket cancellations has left many clients struggling,” he shared.

Avoid fake documents, warns travel expert

Nilesh Bhansali, President of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, advised travelers against submitting dummy flight tickets or forged documents. “Dubai has extremely strict policies. Rejection due to fraudulent documents can cause lifelong travel restrictions,” Bhansali cautioned.

Financial impact on travelers

Travelers are not only losing money on visa fees but also incurring heavy losses due to canceled flight tickets and non-refundable hotel bookings. For some, the rising rejection rate has disrupted long-planned family vacations and group tours.

What travelers should know

To improve their chances of visa approval, applicants should:

• Submit genuine and verifiable travel documents.
• Ensure hotel and flight reservations are confirmed and legitimate.
• Provide accurate personal and financial details as per UAE guidelines.

With the stricter visa policy in place, Indian tourists planning to visit Dubai must exercise extra caution while preparing their applications to avoid rejection and potential financial setbacks.

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