GUIDESDEBIT CARDS
Dubai Visa Changes 2024: What Indian Travellers Must Know
3 MIN • 
LAST EDITED BY ANKANA GHOSHAL ON DECEMBER 13, 2024.
LAST EDITED BY ANKANA GHOSHAL ON DECEMBER 13, 2024.
GUIDES LAST EDITED BY ANKANA GHOSHAL ON DECEMBER 13, 2024.
Indian travellers planning a trip to Dubai are now facing unprecedented visa rejection rates after the UAE’s emigration department implemented stringent guidelines for tourist visas. The new requirements, aimed at tightening travel documentation, have left many travellers and travel agencies off guard. These changes have disrupted plans for countless individuals, highlighting the challenges of travelling to Dubai under the updated regulations.
Previously, the process for obtaining a Dubai tourist visa was relatively straightforward. Applicants only needed to provide essential documents like their passport and travel itinerary, with hotel bookings and return tickets occasionally requested by airport officials. However, the recent updates have made these requirements mandatory:
Hotel booking with QR codes: Travellers must upload hotel booking confirmations with QR codes, ensuring their accommodations are verifiable.
Return tickets: A copy of confirmed return tickets must also be submitted during the visa application process.
Proof of Accommodation with Relatives: Additional documentation from the host confirming accommodation is required for those staying with family or friends.
Financial Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their stay. AED 5,000 (₹1.14 lakh) is needed for a two-month visa, and AED 3,000 (₹68,500) for a three-month visa.
These documents, previously only needed if airport authorities asked, are necessary for guaranteed visa acceptance.
The implications of these changes, coupled with a stricter review process, are far-reaching:
High Rejection Rates: Dubai travel agencies report an alarming increase in rejection rates, even for meticulously prepared applications.
Financial Losses: Many travellers incur significant financial losses due to non-refundable visa fees and ticket cancellations. For instance, one travel agency reported losses exceeding ₹34,000 due to rejected applications!
Added Complexity: The new requirements lengthen the application process and create hurdles for applicants without sufficient financial proof or proper documentation from hosts.
Read: 15 Best Places to Visit in Dubai
Travel agencies in Dubai and India are grappling with the challenges posed by these changes. As per Business Standard, 6 out of every 100 applications are being rejected daily since the enforcement of the new rules. Agencies are now emphasising the importance of adhering to the updated guidelines and verifying all documents before submission to assist clients. However, the rising rejection rates have put their business operations at risk, with many losing clientele due to the unpredictability of visa approvals.
To navigate these stricter visa rules, Indian travellers should:
Work with Trusted Travel Agencies: Choose a reputable travel agency in Dubai to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.
Prepare Comprehensive Documentation: Upload accurate and verifiable hotel bookings with QR codes, return tickets, and proof of financial resources.
Stay Updated on UAE Visa Information: Regularly check the latest travel guidelines for Dubai to avoid last-minute surprises.
While these changes aim to enhance security and streamline processes, they have undeniably complicated travel plans for Indian visitors. As the UAE continues to refine its visa policies, travellers must adapt to these requirements to ensure a hassle-free journey.
By staying informed and prepared, Indian travellers can still enjoy the allure of Dubai despite the current challenges.
You can either apply directly via the GDRFA's official website or apply through an authorised agency such as your travel agent or tour operator.
Pro tip: Use the Fi-Federal Debit card and enjoy up to 20% off on visa fees using StampThePassport.
Apply for the right kind of visa-tourist visa, transit visa, or golden visa based on your travel plan
Dubai visa for Indian nationals is electronic. Hence, make sure to have a printout of the same for immigration purposes.
Apply for the visa at least a month prior to your travel date.
To be eligible for visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Remember to carry scanned copies of passport, confirmed return ticket, and passport size photographs.
Log in to the official website and use your visa or passport number to check the status of your visa application.
No, the amount, once paid, won’t be refunded.
Yes, you can reapply for a Dubai visa even though it has been rejected.
It is the same. Since Dubai is a popular tourist destination in the UAE, the UAE visa is often synonymously called the Dubai visa.
