Strict new rules for UAE travel visas: what travelers need to know

The UAE has a visit visa program for people who wish to visit the country for various reasons such as seeing family, traveling or exploring job prospects. Recently, immigration authorities have tightened inspections at UAE airports to identify those using visit visas to seek employment.

Several passengers from Kottayam and Idukki districts of Kerala were detained at UAE airports due to inadequate travel docum
ents. Inspections have been intensified at Kochi and Kozhikode airports in Kerala, with more than 20 passengers stopped from boarding flights at Cochin International Airport alone. Similarly, around five people are denied travel every day at Calicut International Airport, due to which around 30 passengers have to cancel their plans.

Airlines are now strictly enforcing rules that require tourists to carry 5,000 dirhams (about Rs 1.3 lakh) for hotel reservations and expenses. Many travelers with only visas and air tickets have been refused travel to the UAE even after providing details of their stay and contacts. Those affected did not receive any refunds and faced long waits at the airport before returning home.

An airline official said the new rules mandate hotel booking confirmation and a buffer of 5,000 dirhams, in addition to visas and return tickets. Airlines have to pay a fine of 5,000 dirhams per passenger for arriving without proper documentation. Travelers must have 3,000 dirhams (about Rs 68,000) for a one-month visa and 5,000 dirhams for a longer stay, with credit cards meeting these limits acceptable.

Dubai Immigration authorities have issued guidelines for visitors on tourist visas:

1. Airport officials will ask about the purpose of the trip, accommodations, and available funds. Unsatisfactory answers may result in detention.
2. Tourists arriving on tourist visas cannot seek employment, and agencies cannot promise job opportunities.
3. Visitors arriving on employment visas must complete visa procedures on arrival to work legally.
4. Tourists must provide hotel details, return tickets and proof of funds.
5. Visitors visiting friends or relatives may need to show contact and accommodation information, as well as copies of their host's visa and passport.