Denied Boarding: 5 Subtle Indian Passport Errors That Will Ruin Your Dubai Holiday

When you plan a vacation to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you encounter an exciting period before you make it to your destination, however a minor difference with your travel documentation or passport can outweigh all your plans in an instant. There are basic immigration requirements that are in force every year, which thousands of passengers between India and UAE are not fulfilling leading to delays and or even rejection of their boarding.

A lot of these misconceptions are based on information that’s no longer accurate or the assumption about traveling to the UAE. It is crucial to check all important documents – passports, visas, supporting documents before your departure to the airport, to ensure complete compliance with the requirements of the countries you will be entering.

The following are some of the common passport issues faced by all Indians that they need to keep in mind while travelling to the UAE.

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1. Assuming Every Indian Passport Holder Gets Visa on Arrival

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Indian passport holders are eligible to get UAE Visa on Arrival (VoA) automatically. In fact, only visitors with a valid US Visa or Green Card or a valid UK or European Union residence permit are allowed.

In addition, the visa or residence permit for the relevant visa should also be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in UAE. Should you not satisfy the above requirements, you have to get a UAE tourist visa prior to departure.

2. Traveling With a Passport That Has Less Than Six Months’ Validity

There are many visitors who assume they could go somewhere with just three or four months remaining in their passport. Sadly, one of the most common grounds that airlines will refuse to allow on board.

If you’re travelling to visit the UAE and are applying for a passport that is not valid for your trip, you’ll need to extend its validity period so that it can last for at least 6 months from your arrival in the UAE. Airlines will check for this prior to check-in and may not be able to get passengers to immigration if they do not meet this requirement.

3. Believing an ECR Passport Cannot Be Used for Tourism

Despite the positive feedback from the UAE government, a lot of people in India are still concerned about not being allowed to visit UAE with an Emigration Check Required passport. This does not correspond even to a tourist visa.

This is most relevant to “certain” employment-related travel. Visiting the UAE for sightseeing, business meetings or to visit relatives, an ECR passport is not an issue of any kind so long as you have the correct visa and passport documentation.

4. Flying Without a Confirmed Return Ticket

Others think they should get a one-way ticket as they intended spending their days with relatives or knowing their return date later on. This can cause issues when boarding an airplane or getting on the plane when leaving UAE.

Travelers coming to the UAE with a Tourist visa will be required to have a return or onward ticket. Immigration officials may also demand proof that you have a place to stay, such as a booking at a hotel or confirmation from the family member where you will be staying.

5. Ignoring Supporting Travel Documents

As is often the case with traveling abroad, missing documents can also cause delays even in the case of a valid passport and visa. Travelers should ensure they have a copy of their travel itinerary, travel insurance and have enough funds to cover accommodation and other costs.

When you live with relatives or friends, having a photocopy of your residence visa or UAE ID of your host will expedite your immigration process, if necessary.

Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Travel Problems

Before departing for the airport, thoroughly check all travel papers. Check passport and visa dates and obtain a return ticket. Print annotations and carry with you some copies of important documents to have at immigration or check-in, since you may need them.

This not only helps to alleviate stress, but will help make your vacation get off to a great start the moment you arrive on your plane.

FAQs

Is it possible for all the passports of Indians to obtain a Visa on Arrival in the UAE?

To obtain an UAE Visa on Arrival, a valid US visa/Green Card or a valid UK/ EU residence visa with valid requirements is needed.

What should be the duration of the validity of a passport for travelling to Dubai?

Let’s say for tourist visas, the period of validity of a visa is to be at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the UAE.

Am I eligible to travel to the UAE with an ECR passport?

Yes. Indian nationals holding ECR visas are eligible to visit/ tour the UAE on a tourist / visit visa without having to get an emigration clearance as well as fulfilling other Immigration requirements.

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