With travel demand soaring and strict checks being implemented at airports in the UAE, travel agents are advising visit visa holders flying from India to book their onward and return journeys on the same airline. This new requirement was put in place by some airlines, leading to passengers being denied boarding if they did not comply. Taha Siddique, director of Siddique Travels, shared that some travellers had booking issues as their outbound and return flights were on different airlines. He emphasized the importance of booking both legs of the journey with the same carrier to avoid complications.
Other travel agents, such as Noushad Hassan from Alhind Business Center and Libin Varghese from Rooh Tourism, supported this advice. They mentioned receiving advisories from certain carriers stating that travellers would not be accepted with tickets from different airlines. With an increasing number of passengers being turned back at departure airports in India, caution is being recommended to avoid any hassles during travel. This new regulation is a response to stricter checks at UAE airports, where passengers must meet specific document and financial requirements to enter the country.
To ensure compliance with visit visa conditions, travellers to the UAE must carry funds equivalent to Dh3,000, provide proof of accommodation, and possess a confirmed return ticket. Failure to meet these requirements could result in individuals being sent back to their home country. Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, noted that airlines incur losses when passengers are denied entry by immigration authorities, making it essential for travellers to have all necessary documents in place. As the summer season approaches, travel demand from India to the UAE is expected to rise, leading to full flights and increased airfares.
Travel agents are advising their passengers to double-check their documentation before flying, as there have been cases of individuals being denied boarding at Indian airports due to strict checks. Mir Waseem Raja, manager at International Travel Services, highlighted the importance of following the regulations to ensure smooth travel experiences. Libin also mentioned an increase in the number of travellers being stopped at airports for not having the required amount of cash or proof of accommodation. By booking both onward and return journeys on the same airline, travellers can minimize the risk of being turned back and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
