New UAE visa rule requires hotel and flight bookings for expats
Previously, applicants needed only a valid passport and a photo. Now, according to the new regulations, tourist and visit visa applicants must upload hotel booking confirmations and return air tickets at the time of application via the UAE immigration department's website.
'Travel agencies have been instructed to submit hotel and flight tickets with every visa application,' said Soumava Mukherjee, General Manager, Travel City/Travel Point LLC.
'If not, applications may face delays or even rejection.'
He added: 'Air ticket and hotel bookings are required for the UAE visa application. In case an applicant visits his UAE with relatives, house agreement is required from the relative side.'
Higher visa costs add to travel expenses
In addition to the added paperwork, the cost of obtaining a UAE visa has gone up. What once cost around OMR30 is now being charged between OMR40 and OMR50, depending on the agency.
'Travel agents have started charging anything in between OMR40 and OMR50 for the UAE visa,' said T Sudheer, an Indian expat currently seeking a UAE visa.
Travel agents report that the changes apply across both tourist and visit visa categories. The UAE authorities have clarified that these new requirements are part of efforts to streamline the visa process and improve regulatory compliance. 'This change, applicable to both tourist and visit visas, aims to streamline the process and ensure compliance,' said Taufiq Uzzaman, Managing Director of Taufiq Travel & Tourism in Ruwi.
'While offering convenience, the new rules have led to processing delays for some applicants since May.'
Many applicants who were unaware of the changes have experienced hold-ups due to incomplete applications.
'These measures emphasise the importance of thorough preparation to avoid travel disruptions,' said a Ghubra-based agent. 'Applicants should not wait until the last minute.'
Not all travellers are affected by the stricter requirements. Indian nationals who hold a valid U.S. visit visa, U.S. Green Card, U.K. residence visa, or EU residence visa can still benefit from the UAE's 14-day visa-on-arrival, which can be extended for another 14 days.
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