Visiting Dubai But Staying At Relatives’ Place Instead Of A Hotel? Here’s The List Of Essential Documents You’ll Need!

Dubai, a go-to hotspot for Indian tourists, especially during the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec 8–Jan 14), is now throwing a curveball. Recent changes to its tourist visa requirements are creating headaches for travellers. If you’re planning to stay with relatives in Dubai, you’ll need more than just your passport for this visa. With stricter rules now in place, Indian tourists may face a mountain of paperwork, dampening the festive travel buzz.

Documentation Saga: What You’ll Need To Stay With Your Relatives In Dubai

The new visa requirements are raising eyebrows, particularly for those staying with friends or family. Travellers must now provide:

1. Host’s Emirates ID
2. Host’s rental agreement
3. Host’s residence visa copy
4. Host’s contact details
5. Proof of return tickets

For travellers staying in hotels, the paperwork is comparatively lighter but still includes proof of bookings, bank statements with ₹50,000 minimum balance, and a PAN card copy.

The catch? Many hosts are uncomfortable sharing personal documents, like rental agreements, even scanned copies, due to privacy concerns. This has made the simple idea of staying with relatives more complex and stressful.

Festive Getaway’s On A Budget? Not Anymore

Accommodation costs during Christmas and New Year in Dubai have always been high, with hotel rates ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh per night. Staying with relatives was a saviour for many budget-conscious families. However, the new rules are discouraging this option, forcing some to rethink their holiday plans altogether.

The timing couldn’t be worse. The Dubai Shopping Festival, a huge draw for Indian tourists, now comes with added financial and procedural hurdles. Some families are even exploring alternative destinations like Bangkok, where visa-on-arrival policies are hassle-free and far less intrusive.

Travel Industry Adapting The Changes

Travel companies are doing their best to adapt, but they acknowledge the inconvenience. Tour operators point out that while the new rules may deter spontaneous trips, Dubai’s allure as a luxury destination remains strong.

Tourism experts agree that these changes could dent the flow of last-minute visitors. High hotel costs and increased paperwork might lead tourists to reconsider their travel plans or seek destinations with simpler processes.

Dubai’s tightened visa rules reflect its focus on security and order. On the global front, such changes could inspire other countries to follow suit, leading to a shift in travel preferences. Tourists may increasingly choose destinations with straightforward visa policies, making simplicity a competitive advantage.

Also Read: Dubai To Get Its First-Ever Photography Museum To Preserve Visual Arts & Heritage

Complicated Travel To Dubai

While Dubai’s luxurious charm remains undeniable, its new visa regulations complicate travel for many, particularly Indian tourists. As paperwork piles up, the spontaneity and ease of visiting may fade, prompting travellers to consider alternatives. Yet, Dubai’s long-standing reputation as a top-tier destination ensures that many will jump through the hoops to enjoy its allure.

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