The Dubai Emigration Department has introduced revised visa regulations for tourists. The new guidelines aim to streamline the process while ensuring better compliance from applicants.
Mandatory Documents for Visa Applications
Under the updated rules, travellers must submit hotel booking details with a QR code and a copy of their return ticket during the visa application process. These documents, once optional, are now mandatory and must be uploaded to the Emigration Department’s website. Only authorised travel agencies can submit tourist visa applications, while visit visas can also be processed by trading companies, individuals, or families, subject to the same documentation requirements.
Financial Proof Requirement
Another significant change is the introduction of financial proof. Applicants must show sufficient funds using their credit or debit cards. The minimum requirement is 5,000 Dirhams for a two-month visa and 3,000 Dirhams for a three-month visa.
Impact on Application Processing
The new regulations have already caused delays for some applicants, primarily due to challenges in providing the required documents. Previously, travellers were only asked for hotel bookings and return tickets at the airport.
Implementation for Specific Countries
These rules have already been enforced for citizens from Pakistan and several African nations. However, it remains unclear whether expatriates living in the UAE will have to follow similar requirements when applying for family visit visas.
Options for Indian Passport Holders
Indian citizens planning to visit Dubai have multiple visa options:
- Visa-On-Arrival:
- Offers a 14-day stay, extendable by another 14 days.
- Eligibility includes a passport valid for six months and a valid visa or residency permit from the USA, UK, or EU.
- Non-Extendable 60-Day Visa:
- Ideal for longer visits, but this visa cannot be extended.
- Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa:
- Designed for frequent travellers, this new option supports tourism and business relations between India and Dubai.
Streamlining Travel to Dubai
The revised visa rules aim to enhance the application process by ensuring travellers meet compliance standards upfront. While these changes may initially pose challenges, they are intended to make travel to Dubai more organised and efficient in the long run.
