UAE-India Passport Rules Changed With Immediate Effect ; Make Sure Your Passport Has This!

As per instructions from UAE authorities, as of 21st November, 2022 passengers with only a single name on their passports won’t be issued visas and will not be allowed to travel to and from the country. All passengers will be required to have a first & last name on their passports. This new rule seems to be affecting Indian passengers the most, as several Indians have single names on their passports.

Also read: More Categories Of People Now Eligible For Coveted UAE Golden Visa

UAE’s New Immigration Rules For Indians & Others

On November 21, 2022 all Indian Airlines, including Spice jet, Indigo and Air India Express, notified travel agents across India about UAE’s new immigration rule. Passengers, whose passports don’t mention both first names and surnames WILL NOT be allowed to enter the UAE.

This rule however does not apply only to those with residence or employment visas ; and only applies to those on tourist and on-arrival visas.

Just recently, the UAE Implemented New Visa Overstay Fines For Tourist & Residency Visa Holders. This sudden immigration rule has come as quite an inconvenience for several passengers who are stranded at various airports. As reported by Khaleej Times,

Dubai resident Zahra said, “My cousin, who had reached the airport to come to Dubai from Mangalore airport in India, told me he could not travel. My mother also doesn’t have a surname on her passport. She is currently in the US and is due to travel to the UAE. Now my family is trying to figure out whether she will be allowed to travel. I wish they had given us time and intimated us to sort everything out.”

Also read: Residents Of GCC Countries Can Now Enter Oman Without A Visa

A call centre representative of Rayna Tours and Travels said that the rule change primarily applied to those coming to the UAE from India on visit visas. “If you have UAE residency, it will not be a problem,” he said. “We are still awaiting information from the embassy regarding this issue. So currently, we are advising people to wait 48 hours before applying for a visa.”

Also read: Saudi Arabia Extends Umrah Visa For All International Pilgrims From 30 To 90 Days

Immigration Rules For Indians Flying To The UAE

Passport required.

Document Validity:

Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date

Admission and Transit Restrictions:

Passengers with a handwritten passport are not allowed to enter

Passengers with a passport with gender “U” or “X” are not allowed to enter and transit

Visitors with a tourist or visit visa must hold a return/onward ticket

Additional Information:

Passengers with dual nationality must arrive and depart with the same passport

Warning:

Visitors with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter

Visa Rules For Indians

Visa required.

Visa Issuance:

E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/HomePage.aspx (for Dubai) or https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/login (for other emirates). Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.

Nationals of India with a normal passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date with a visa issued by United Kingdom or an EU Member State which is valid for a minimum of 6 months can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days.

Nationals of India with a normal passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date with a visa issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of 6 months can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days.

Passengers with a normal passport and a confirmation that a visa has been approved before departure can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 96 hours, 30 days or 90 days. Passengers must have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date. The visa approved before departure must be deposited by the sponsor at the Immigration Authorities. Information: Deportation on the same flight will follow if sponsor (or representative) is not present at the time of passenger’s arrival at the airport.