Flying to the UAE? Dubai, Abu Dhabi increase checks to prevent misuse of tourist visas
UAE are now subject to stricter immigration checks at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Authorities have mandated that visitors carry proof of at least ₹60,000 in their bank account or have a credit card and a return ticket. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of tourist visas.
Sources indicate that first-time travellers from Tamil Nadu and Kerala are particularly under scrutiny. These checks have led to delays at Indian airports as airlines now ensure passengers meet these requirements before allowing them to board.
The increased vigilance follows incidents where passengers arriving on tourist visas lacked sufficient funds or return tickets, leading to deportations. Airlines are now required to verify that solo travellers, especially women aged 20-35, comply with these rules to avoid having to return deported passengers at their own expense.
The UAE's crackdown is a response to travelers entering the country without sufficient resources or accommodation plans and those overstaying their 96-hour transit visas. Basheer Ahmed of Chennai Metro Travels explained, “The checks are happening because it has been found that people are entering the UAE for jobs using tourist visas. Some of them cancel their return tickets and stay on. There is no problem for genuine tourists, family, and group travellers.”
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Check-in times have increased, particularly with low-cost carriers, as they ensure compliance with these new immigration checks. Reports suggest that at
