Dubai: Conflicting reports of a “possible hike” in UAE tourist visa fees is causing confusion in the travel market.
Some travel agents said they received “official circulars” two weeks ago informing them that the visa charges would be hiked by Dh90 from November 13.
Accordingly, they informed their clients that they would increase their fees. They claimed that as per the “new regulations”, the tourist visa would be valid only for one month from the date of entry, with no grace period or extension. But within the next three days, they got back to their clients, saying the fee change had been withdrawn until further notification.
One travel agent said: “We received two circulars. The first one said the visa fees would increase by Dh90 from November 13 and that the tourist visa duration of stay will be 30 days from date of entry and cannot be extended (no grace period). The second, which we received on November 16, noted that the visa changes detailed in the earlier announcement had been postponed, so the old rates would hold good.”
No notice from authorities
Premjit Bangara, general manager of Sharaf Travels, said the agency had updated its clients about both developments.
“As a matter of policy, we keep our clients informed. We were able to handle the situation smoothly,” he said.
However, some travel agents said they had not received any official notice.
Kulwant Singh, managing director of Lama Tours and Travels, said: “We have not yet received any written communication from the authorities in this regard and hence, we are charging the same fees.”
Another travel agent said: “There have been a lot of e-mails floating around. Ten days ago, we heard that the visa fee would be increased by Dh90 with effect from November 13. Then we heard that it has been postponed till the end of the month. But we don’t know of any official announcement and our rates remain the same.”
An immediate response from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs was not available.
