New Dubai Visa Rules Leave Indian Tourists Struggling to Travel

Indian tourists wishing to visit Dubai during the highly anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from December 8 to December 14 are facing significant challenges due to the newly introduced visa rules by Dubai’s emigration department. The updated visa requirements, which were rolled out last month, have made it more difficult for travelers to secure a tourist visa to the UAE.

As part of the new regulations, the Dubai emigration department now mandates that Indian tourists must provide additional documentation when applying for a tourist visa. This includes a verified hotel booking and a copy of their return flight tickets, requirements that were not as strictly enforced in the past. These changes have led to a surge in rejections and delays in visa processing, leaving many travelers scrambling to meet the new criteria.

The Dubai Shopping Festival, a major event that attracts thousands of tourists every year with its massive sales, entertainment, and cultural events, is a major draw for Indian visitors. However, with the introduction of the stricter rules, many are worried that they may miss out on the shopping extravaganza due to delays or issues with their visa applications.

Travel agents and visa consultants have reported an increased workload as they assist travelers in navigating the new requirements, but the tight timeframe and the complexity of the process are still causing considerable stress for many. Additionally, there are concerns that the new rules could dampen tourism from India, which has historically been one of Dubai’s largest sources of international visitors.

The tightening of visa policies comes as part of broader efforts by the UAE government to regulate tourism and ensure that visitors meet certain standards, though it has led to frustration among travelers eager to take part in the popular festival. Indian tourists are being advised to plan their trips well in advance and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted to avoid delays or potential rejections.