Indian travelers hoping to visit Dubai are facing an alarming increase in visa rejections following the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) implementation of stricter tourist visa application requirements. Previously, nearly 99% of visa applications were approved, but recent reports indicate that even well-prepared applications are now being denied.
Rise in Visa Rejections According to a report by the media, the new regulations have led to a rejection rate of 5-6 applications out of every 100 submitted. Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd, noted, “Earlier, the rejection rate for Dubai visas was just 1-2%. Now, we are seeing at least 5-6 visa rejections per day from nearly 100 applications.” This shift has left many travelers facing financial losses, not only from visa fees but also from pre-booked flights and hotel accommodations.
Rishikesh Pujari, director of Vihar Travels, echoed these concerns, stating, “We are experiencing rejections even for well-prepared travelers.” He recounted a case where a family of four, who had meticulously prepared their application with all necessary documents, still faced rejection.
Financial Impact on Travelers Vijay Thakkar, director of Hasmukh Travels, shared a similar experience, revealing that two passengers planning to stay with relatives in Dubai had their visa applications denied despite submitting all required documentation. “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 explained.
Dubai’s New Visa Policy The UAE’s new visa policy mandates that travelers submit hotel booking documents with QR codes and copies of return tickets when applying for a visa. Previously, these documents were only required if requested by airport officials. Additionally, tourists must now demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support their stay, with a minimum balance of AED 5,000 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) required for a two-month visa and AED 3,000 for a three-month visa.
As the new regulations take effect, uncertainty looms for many Indian travelers, raising concerns about the future of tourism to Dubai.
