Dubai's new visa rules complicate travel for Indians staying with relatives

New visa requirements for Indians traveling to Dubai are causing concern, especially for those planning to stay with family. Travelers now need to provide their host's rental agreement, Emirates ID, residence visa copy, and contact details during the visa application process.

These changes coincide with the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec 8-Jan 14), a popular event for Indian tourists.

The new rules also require hotel booking documents and return ticket details for all Indian tourists. However, the added documentation for those staying with relatives is proving difficult.


“While hotel bookings and return tickets are reasonable requirements, the documentation needed for staying with relatives is quite cumbersome," Nikhil Thakurdas, director, Odyssey Tours and Travels told TOI. "It's quite awkward to ask relatives for documents like rental agreements and residence proofs. This might force some travellers to opt for hotel stays instead, significantly increasing their holiday costs.”

High hotel prices in Dubai, ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh per night, often lead visitors to stay with family. Travel agencies report hesitation among hosts to share sensitive documents like Emirates IDs.

“Many hosts are hesitant about sharing sensitive documents like the Emirates ID, even in scanned format," said Santosh Gupta, owner, Shree Vinayak Holidays.

"This has made those planning to visit Dubai and stay with relatives rethink their plans. Christmas travel to Dubai from India might see a decline this year due to these additional requirements. I have clients who frequently visit families in Dubai but are now reconsidering their plans because of the hassle of submitting these extra documents for their visa applications.”



The new regulations add complexity to travel plans. “The new rules are still fresh, and there's a lot of confusion," added Nilesh Bhansali, owner, Devam Tours and Travels. "Travellers planning to stay with friends or relatives are the most affected, as it's challenging to procure the required documents. We're awaiting further clarity on these regulations.”

One potential traveler, Abhishek Khanna, explained the impact of the new rules. “Earlier, visiting Dubai was easy," Khanna said. "Now, I have to ask my aunt to share her personal details like her Emirates ID and rental agreement, which feels like a breach of privacy. It's uncomfortable to request these documents, especially since it wasn't required earlier. We were thinking of visiting Dubai next month, but this added hassle is making us reconsider our travel plans. We might opt for another destination in Asia.”

Even those staying in hotels now face increased documentation, including bank statements and PAN card copies. While acknowledging the inconvenience, Zelam Chaubal, director, Kesari Tours, noted, “Every country has its rules. Though it is an inconvenience, travellers will get used to it and still travel to Dubai as it is a popular destination.”