Dubai Ab Door Hai: Indian Tourists Face Financial Losses as Dubai Visa Rejections Surge Under New Rules

Stringent documentation requirements and increased scrutiny are causing widespread visa rejections, leaving Indian travellers with financial losses and disrupted plans.

Travel agencies across India are reporting an unprecedented spike in Dubai visa rejections following the introduction of stricter application requirements. The new regulations mandate extensive documentation, including hotel bookings, return tickets, and proof of sufficient financial resources, catching many travellers unprepared.

Sharp Rise in Visa Rejections

Rishikesh Pujari, Director of Vihar Travels, described the situation as unprecedented:

“Earlier, nearly 99% of Dubai visa applications were approved. Now, we are seeing rejections even for well-prepared travellers.”

In one instance, a family of four with meticulously prepared applications faced rejection despite submitting all relevant documents. Similarly, a group of 35 had their trip derailed when one member’s visa was denied, causing significant financial losses.

Travelers now face the added risk of losing money on non-refundable visa fees, pre-booked flights, and hotel reservations.

Updated Visa Requirements

Under the new rules, applicants must provide:

• Confirmed hotel bookings and return tickets.

• Proof of accommodation if staying with relatives.

• Sufficient financial resources, with AED 5,000 (₹1.14 lakh) required for a two-month visa and AED 3,000 (₹68,000) for a three-month visa.

Tourist visa applications can only be processed through authorized travel agencies, while visit visas still allow submissions via trading companies, families, or individuals.

Challenges for Travelers

Instances of travelers submitting dummy flight tickets or fabricated documents have reportedly increased. Nilesh Bhansali, President of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, warned:

“Submitting fake documents is never advisable. Dubai’s strict policies mean a rejection can create lifelong travel complications.”

Prohibited Items for India-UAE Travel

Adding to the challenges, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has updated its list of prohibited items for India-UAE flights. Items such as pickles, ghee, spices, and e-cigarettes are now banned from both check-in and cabin baggage.

Impact on Tourism

Dubai, a top tourist destination, introduced these measures to regulate the influx of visitors, particularly ahead of the festive season. While the intent is to streamline entry, the high rejection rates and financial losses are creating uncertainty among Indian tourists.

Travel agencies are advising applicants to avoid shortcuts and thoroughly prepare their applications to minimize the risk of rejection. However, the rising rejections have left many wondering if Dubai remains a practical choice for their next vacation.