Why are Indian tourists struggling to get Dubai visa?

Dubai attracts millions of tourists each year.

Over six million tourists from India visited the city in 2023.

However, a recent report claims that the number of Indian visitors to the Gulf metropolis who are denied visas is at an all-time high.

Visa rejection rates have soared from a manageable one-two per cent to a concerning five-six per cent.

Indians are losing thousands of rupees in non-refundable flight and accommodation expenses in addition to the fact that their travel plans are grounded.

But why is this happening? Let’s take a look.

Dubai visa rejections

Almost 99 per cent of Dubai visa applications were once granted; however, the UAE authorities are now rejecting even the most well-prepared requests.

The Times of India said that every day, at least five-six out of every 100 applications are denied.

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“Earlier, the rejection rate for Dubai visas was just one to two per cent. This is before the new rules were enforced. We are now getting at least five to six visa rejections per day from nearly 100 applications daily. Even when confirmed flight tickets and hotel stay details are attached, the visa applications are being rejected,” Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt. Ltd., told TOI.

Travellers who have already paid for their hotel and airline reservations as well as their visa costs are experiencing financial losses as a result of the new rules.

Rishikesh Pujari, director of Vihar Travels, according to the report, said, “We are seeing unprecedented rejection rates (for tourist visa applications to Dubai). Earlier, almost 99 per cent of Dubai visa applications were approved. Now, we are experiencing rejections even for well-prepared travellers.”

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He claimed that even the most carefully prepared application, complete with all pertinent supporting documentation, such as verified hotel reservations and airline information, is being turned down.

“I had a family of four who meticulously prepared their application. Despite this, their visa application was rejected,” he said.

Hasmukh Travels’ director, Vijay Thakkar, told TOI that two of the travellers who intended to stay in Dubai with family members had their applications for Dubai visas recently denied.

“While applying for the visa, we had attached all the relevant documents as per the new visa requirements. Yet, their applications were rejected. This resulted in significant monetary loss for the passengers, as they had spent nearly Rs 14,000 on visa fees, and ticket cancellation cost was another Rs 20,000 and more,” he said.

Many people are also trying to attach fake flight tickets or other documents, which is not advised, according to Nilesh Bhansali, head of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, who spoke to the publication.

“Dubai is extremely strict, and a rejection can potentially create lifelong travel complications to the destination. My advise to travellers is to avoid any dummy tickets or hotel bookings.”

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New visa rules

The UAE last month imposed stricter criteria for tourist visa applications to Dubai, which led to an uptick in visa rejections.

When applying for a visa under the new regulation, travellers must upload a copy of their return tickets to the emigration department’s website. Previously, airport officials had to request these documents.

Also, travellers must present proof of hotel reservations or other evidence of their intended accommodations in Dubai. Visitors who plan to stay with family members must submit a copy of their residency visa, their Emirates ID, the 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 a sponsorship letter.

For a two-month visa, applicants need to have at least AED 5,000 (about Rs 1.14 lakh) in their credit or debit accounts; for a three-month visa, they need to have AED 3,000.

Both online and approved travel firms are options for processing tourist visa applications.

Nonetheless, trading businesses, individuals, or families may still apply for visit visas.

However, both visa categories have the same requirements for documentation.

This policy amendment came about just before the popular Dubai Shopping Festival, when hotel rooms are offered at premium rates, making the timing notable.

The festival began on December 8 and will conclude by January 14, 2025.

With inputs from agencies

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