Visit visa holders urged to book return ticket with same airline

UAE visit visa

Travel agents are urging visit visa holders flying from India to the UAE to book their onward and return flights with the same airline to avoid being denied boarding. This advisory comes in response to stricter airline requirements and reports of passengers being turned away for booking their return journey on a different carrier.

Taha Siddique, director of Siddique Travels, highlighted the importance of this new requirement, noting that some travelers were unable to board flights because they had return tickets with a different airline. Siddique now advises his clients to book both legs of their journey with the same carrier to avoid complications.

This advice is echoed by Noushad Hassan, MD of Alhind Business Center, who mentioned that advisories from certain airlines specify this requirement, particularly those received by offices in India. He recommends booking both legs of the trip with the same airline to ensure hassle-free travel.

Libin Varghese from Rooh Tourism also supports this approach, citing incidents of passengers being stopped from boarding due to non-compliance with these requirements. He stresses the importance of booking return journeys with the same airline to prevent issues.

The need for these measures stems from stricter checks at UAE airports, where some passengers have been sent back for not meeting document and other entry requirements. According to Noushad Hassan, instances of up to 40 passengers being returned on the same flight have been observed. 

Khaleej Times reported that travelers to the UAE must carry funds equivalent to Dh3,000, either in cash or on a credit card, and provide valid proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a letter from a host in the country, including a copy of their Emirates ID. They must also have a confirmed return ticket to comply with visit visa conditions. Failure to meet these requirements could result in being sent back to their home country.

Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, explained that when passengers are denied entry by immigration, the airline bears the responsibility of their return, leading to financial losses on seats. Therefore, airlines are taking preventive measures by denying boarding to passengers who do not have the required documents and funds.

With the summer season approaching, there is a surge in travel demand from India to the UAE. Aidasani noted that flights are operating at full capacity and airfares have increased. In light of stricter checks, travel agents are advising passengers to ensure they have all necessary documents before traveling. Mir Waseem Raja, manager at International Travel Services, reported that several passengers were denied boarding passes in the last two days due to incomplete documentation.

Libin Varghese added that the number of travelers being stopped at airports for lacking the required funds or proof of accommodation has increased. To avoid such issues, it is crucial for travelers to adhere to all entry requirements and book their return tickets with the same airline.