Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Dubai ahead of strict visa requirements
There are new visa requirements in effect for Dubai, a major metropolis that welcomes millions of visitors each.
There are new visa requirements in effect for Dubai, a major metropolis that welcomes millions of visitors each. According to the Times of India, Indian visitors who wish to remain with family in the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now have to submit a copy of their resident visa, their host's rental agreement, their Emirates ID, and their contact information when they apply for a visa.According to new visa restrictions, visitors to the city—which is well-known for its upscale shopping, cutting-edge architecture, and exciting nightlife—need to provide their hotel booking paperwork (if they are staying at a hotel) and return ticket information.Notably, many Indian travelers opt to stay with family in Dubai due to the high cost of hotel rooms. The average nightly rate for a hotel room is between ₹20,000 and ₹1 lakh.“This new rule could definitely prove to be a deterrent, particularly during the peak travel season," TOI quoted Odyssey Tours and Travels director Nikhil Thakurdas as saying.In response to the revised visa regulations, Nikhil Thakurdas said that the paperwork required to stay with family members is rather onerous, but he conceded that reservations for hotels and return tickets are appropriate prerequisites.He added, "It's quite awkward to ask relatives for documents like rental agreements and residence proofs. This might force some travellers to opt for hotel stays instead," reported TOI.This move is noteworthy since it takes place just a few days before the Dubai Shopping Festival starts, when hotel rooms are at their most expensive. It is planned to start on December 8 and end on January 14, 2025. For Indian tourists, it is a top attraction.Zelam Chaubal, director of Kesari Tours, noted that if choosing to stay in a hotel, one must also present additional documentation, including evidence of hotel reservation, a copy of their PAN card, and their previous three months' bank records with a minimum balance of ₹50,000.
