Another Country Tightening Its Belt, Dubai-Bound Indian Tourists In For A Shock As Visa Rejections Surge

Planning a family holiday to Dubai? Think again. Indian tourists eyeing the glittering Emirate as their destination are facing a spike in visa rejections due to stricter documentation requirements for tourist visas. This has left travel agents and travelers struggling with financial and logistical challenges, especially during the peak travel season of the Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec 8–Jan 14).

The Changing Aspect of Dubai’s Visa Process

Dubai has always been a popular choice for Indian tourists, but the recent changes in visa requirements have thrown a wrench in the works. Travelers must now submit additional documents, including their host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID, residence visa copy, and contact details. For those opting to stay with relatives instead of hotels, this has created an uncomfortable hurdle.

“Hotel bookings and return tickets are reasonable requirements,” explains Nikhil Thakurdas, director of Odyssey Tours and Travels. “But asking relatives for sensitive documents like rental agreements and residence proofs can be awkward. This might push some travelers to choose hotels, driving up holiday costs significantly.”

With hotel rates in Dubai ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh per night, staying with family has historically been a cost-effective option. However, the added documentation requirements have made some hosts reluctant to share personal details.

Visa Rejections. A Jolt for Indian Travelers

Travel agents report that the new rules are affecting travel plans and dampening enthusiasm for Dubai. “We’ve seen clients rethink their Christmas and New Year plans to Dubai due to these added complications,” says Nilesh Bhansali, owner of Devam Tours and Travels. “Those staying with relatives are the hardest hit, as obtaining the required documents can be challenging.”

Abhishek Khanna, a potential traveler, shared his frustration: “Earlier, visiting Dubai was seamless. Now, I have to ask my aunt for her Emirates ID and rental agreement, which feels invasive. This added hassle is making us consider alternate destinations in Asia.”

Financial Losses for Applicants

The impact of visa rejections extends beyond the paperwork. Non-refundable expenses such as flight tickets and hotel bookings leave travelers bearing financial losses. For travel agencies, the uncertainty has added to operational challenges.

Even for those planning to stay in hotels, the requirements have increased. Bank statements, PAN card copies, and other documents are now mandatory, further complicating the process.

A Popular Destination, But At a Cost

Despite the hurdles, travel experts believe Dubai will remain a favored destination. “Every country has its rules,” notes Zelam Chaubal, director of Kesari Tours. “Though the new requirements are inconvenient, travelers will adapt over time.”

For now, Indian tourists eyeing Dubai must tread carefully, ensuring all documentation is in place to avoid disappointments. Whether these new regulations will have a lasting impact on Dubai’s appeal to Indian travelers remains to be seen, but the holiday season could witness a noticeable shift in preferences.

However, its not Dubai alone, if you are travelling to Finland? Proof of higher funds are now mandatory.

Hence, if you’ve been saving up for that Europe trip, it might be time to recount the pennies.

Finland increased the travellers’ daily financial requirement for short stays, visitors and visa applicants must show proof of available funds at €50 or Rs4,500 per day.

Previously, the requirement was capped at €30 or Rs2,700 per day. On the bright side, though, the country also introduced proof of sponsorship and accommodation, allowing a Finnish resident funding the traveller’s stay and/or travel to be taken into account during the application process.

But there is some good news too – as per the latest development, Romania and Bulgaria are likely to become full members of the Schengen area from January 2025. After years of limited inclusion, Romania and Bulgaria are expected to reach a significant milestone, and gain complete membership in the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area, which currently consists of 23 of the 27 EU member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, facilitates simple borderless travel. Its advantages for free movement help millions of travellers every day.

Travelling this season comes with new rules and some extra money but with some happiness too!