Recent changes to Dubai’s visa regulations have made it significantly more difficult for Indian tourists to obtain visas, leading to a sharp increase in rejection rates.

Travel agents report that visa rejections have surged to between 5-6%, compared to the previous rate of just 1-2%.

This uptick has resulted in financial losses for both travelers and travel agents, with many applicants facing the forfeiture of visa fees as well as costs related to pre-booked flights and accommodations.

Under the updated guidelines, travelers must now provide proof of confirmed return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and accommodation details if staying with relatives—a requirement that was not strictly enforced before.

Many applicants are unaware of these changes, leading to numerous denials. Rishikesh Pujari, Director of Bihar Travels, noted that the rejection rate has reached unprecedented levels, stating that even well-prepared travelers are facing difficulties.

He recounted an incident where a group of 35 had to cancel their trip due to one family member’s visa rejection.

Similarly, Vijay Thakkar from Hasmukh Travels reported that two travelers had their visa applications denied despite submitting all required documentation.

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Nikhil Kumar of Paisio Travels mentioned that the rejection rate has drastically increased, even for applications that include confirmed flight and hotel details. The revised Dubai visa requirements include: • Confirmed Return Flight Tickets: Tourists must show a copy of their return flight tickets. • Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of hotel bookings or accommodation arrangements is now mandatory. • Financial Resources: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for their trip, which can include bank statements or sponsorship letters. • Submission Process: Visa applications can be submitted online or through authorized travel agents, with the same documentation required for both tourist and visit visas. These changes mark a significant shift in Dubai’s approach to tourist visas, impacting many Indian travelers planning their visits.