UAE Visit Visa: Travel agents highlight that a Dh3,000 deposit and return tickets are mandatory before applying.

UAE Visit Visa Applications: Stricter Document Requirements Introduced

Travel agents in the UAE are advising visitors to ensure all necessary documents are complete before applying for visit visas. These include proof of stay, such as a hotel booking or a relative’s residence address, and evidence of sufficient funds, which are now mandatory prerequisites for visa approval.

“Previously, travelers were required to present proof of stay, return tickets, and an equivalent of Dh3,000 in cash at the airport during boarding. Now, these documents must be submitted upfront with the visa application,” explained Mir Wasim Raja, Manager at Galadari International Travel Services.

Stricter Policies to Prevent Misuse

These tightened requirements aim to prevent the misuse of visit visas and ensure applicants can financially support themselves during their stay. Travel agents are also adopting stricter application review processes to minimize rejections and streamline approvals.

Applicants must upload proof of stay, return tickets, and bank statements to the visa processing system to ensure compliance. According to earlier reports, travelers were advised to carry Dh3,000 in cash, valid return tickets, and accommodation details when traveling to the UAE. Now, these requirements must be met during the visa application phase itself.

“We process thousands of visas daily, but recently, incomplete documentation has led to increased rejection rates,” noted Masiuddin Mohammed, founder of SuperJet Tours and Travels LLC. “Only those applications with complete documents are being approved,” he added.

Key Documentation Guidelines

Firoz Maliyakkal, founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, stressed the importance of ensuring passports have at least six months of validity. Applicants must also provide a confirmed return ticket and proof of sufficient funds—Dh3,000 for a one-month visa and Dh5,000 for a two-month visa—either in cash or via a credit card. UAE airport authorities may conduct random checks for these documents.

Despite these updated requirements, many applicants remain unaware, causing delays and confusion. To address this, travel agencies are actively educating clients and offering checklists to streamline the process.

Taha Siddique, owner of Siddique Tours and Travels, highlighted similar challenges. “Two of my clients faced visa rejections due to incomplete documentation, leaving them stranded,” he said.

Advice for Travelers

Travel experts recommend preparing documents meticulously and consulting reliable travel agencies to avoid complications. Ensuring compliance with the updated guidelines will help applicants secure their visas smoothly and without delays.