The UAE has updated its visa requirements, affecting travellers visiting the country for various purposes, such as tourism, visiting relatives, or exploring job opportunities. Here are the key points to know:
- Increased Inspections: Immigration authorities have intensified inspections at UAE airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa with the intention of seeking employment. This includes rigorous screenings at Kochi and Kozhikode airports in Kerala, leading to several detentions and travel disruptions.
- Documentation Requirements: Airlines are now enforcing stricter regulations, requiring travelers on tourist visas to have hotel reservations and sufficient funds. Specifically, tourists must possess 5,000 dirhams (approx. INR 1.3 lakh) for expenses. Travelers without these documents are being denied boarding.
- Financial Proof: Visitors must show they have access to 3,000 dirhams (approx. INR 68,000) for a one-month visa and 5,000 dirhams for longer stays. Credit cards meeting these limits are also acceptable. This financial proof is crucial to ensure that travelers can support themselves during their stay.
- Airline Accountability: Airlines face fines of 5,000 dirhams per passenger if travelers arrive in the UAE without proper documentation. This has led airlines to strictly enforce the new guidelines to avoid penalties.
- Purpose of Visit: At the airport, officials will inquire about the purpose of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and funds available for expenses. Inadequate responses may lead to detention.
- Employment Restrictions: Tourists on visit visas are prohibited from engaging in employment. Travel and recruitment agencies are not allowed to promise job opportunities to individuals on tourist visas. Those on employment visas must complete visa procedures upon entry to work legally.
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Accommodation Details: Visitors engaging in tourist activities must provide information on their hotel accommodations, return tickets, and available funds. Those visiting friends or relatives may need to show copies of their hosts’ visas and passports, along with contact details and accommodation information.
These new measures are designed to ensure that visitors to the UAE are genuine tourists and have the necessary means to support themselves during their stay. Travelers are advised to prepare all required documentation and financial proof to avoid any travel disruptions.
