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Dubai’s New visa rules require Indian tourists staying with relatives to provide additional documents, adding complexity to travel plans during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Dubai’s New Visa rules for Indian Tourists
Indian tourists planning to stay with relatives in Dubai are facing added hurdles due to the city’s new visa requirements. Travelers must now submit their host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID, residence visa copy, and contact details during the visa application process. This comes as Dubai prepares for its popular Dubai Shopping Festival, set to run from Dec 8 to Jan 14.
Impact on Travel Costs and Convenience
The added documentation for family stays has caused concern among travelers and hosts. “It’s quite awkward to ask relatives for documents like rental agreements and residence proofs,” said Nikhil Thakurdas, director of Odyssey Tours and Travels. High hotel costs in Dubai, ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh per night, often make staying with family an affordable option. However, the hesitation among hosts to share sensitive documents like Emirates IDs is deterring many from opting for this choice.
Rising Concerns Among Indian Travelers
Travel agencies report a growing number of Indian tourists reconsidering their Dubai travel plans due to these stricter rules. Many are choosing hotel stays despite the higher costs, as the documentation requirements are seen as cumbersome. This could potentially affect tourism during the Dubai Shopping Festival, a peak travel season for Indian visitors.