Travel agents report a significant increase in visit visa approvals, driven by greater adherence to document requirements and heightened demand during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Applicants now commonly provide essential documents, such as return tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds, improving their chances of approval.
In the past, many applications were rejected due to incomplete or non-compliant submissions. However, awareness campaigns by authorities and travel agencies have successfully educated applicants on following regulations, leading to higher approval rates.
The UAE, particularly Dubai, remains a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. Dubai hosted 16.79 million tourists in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 9% year-on-year increase. Western Europe accounted for 20% of these visitors, contributing significantly to local spending.
Sheras Sharaf, operations manager at Arab World Tourism, noted a 5-6% increase in visit visa approvals during the last quarter of 2024, compared to the usual 1-2% growth per quarter. Similarly, Rikin Sheth, assistant vice-president at Musafir.com, highlighted a rise in bookings, particularly during the winter and Dubai Shopping Festival season, with a projected 20-25% increase in tourists.
Both experts emphasize that submitting complete and accurate documents—such as confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, or proof of accommodation with tenancy agreements and Emirates ID for stays with relatives—is crucial for approval.
Dubai continues to be a top destination, especially for South Asian tourists who feel at home in the UAE. The ongoing rise in tourism during peak seasons underscores the importance of proper documentation for securing a visit visa.
News Source: Khaleej Times
