United Arab Emirates: Stricter Document Screening Process Implemented for UAE Visit Visa Applications
December 13, 2024
Effective immediately, UAE authorities have implemented stricter documentary screening procedures for UAE visit visa applications. All applicants must now provide hotel booking confirmations and proof of onward or return flight tickets. Applicants holding valid visas to other countries such as Canada, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom or the United States may be required to submit copies of these visas. Applicants who must use designated visa issuance centers are also being asked to provide a police clearance certificate and proof of financial solvency (the minimum threshold for which varies based on the applicant’s nationality), typically by way of submitting a bank statement for the past three months. Previously, some of the above documentary requests could occur but were less common, being a matter of immigration officer discretion.
Additionally, based on immigration practitioner feedback, flight tickets are being heavily vetted for authenticity, with authorities preferring tickets that include an airline-generated barcode. The authorities have also verbally confirmed that they now monitor whether visa recipients cancel any hotel bookings used as part of their visa application process.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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