Expats in Oman must show hotel, return flight bookings for UAE tourist visa

Dubai: Travel agencies in Oman have confirmed that new regulations require applicants for 30-day tourist and visit visas to the United Arab Emirates to submit hotel booking confirmations and return flight tickets at the time of application, according to the Times of Oman.

Previously, travellers needed only a valid passport and a photograph. Under the updated requirements, all applications must now be submitted via the UAE’s websites of ICP and GDRFA, or through the ICP App and Dubai Now with supporting documents, including confirmed accommodation and return travel plans.

 “Travel agencies have been instructed to submit hotel and flight tickets with every visa application,” Soumava Mukherjee, General Manager of Travel City–Travel Point LLC, told the Times of Oman.

“If not, applications may face delays or even rejection.” Mukherjee added that individuals staying with relatives in the UAE must also submit a copy of a house lease agreement from their host.

 The changes come alongside rising visa costs. What once cost OMR30 is now being charged at rates between OMR40 and OMR50, depending on the agency. “Travel agents have started charging anything in between OMR40 and OMR50 for the UAE visa,” said T. Sudheer, an Indian expatriate currently applying for a visa.

 The new requirements apply to both tourist and visit visa categories. According to Taufiq Uzzaman, Managing Director of Taufiq Travel and Tourism in Ruwi, the UAE authorities have introduced the policy as part of broader efforts to streamline visa processing and enhance regulatory compliance.

“This change, applicable to both tourist and visit visas, aims to streamline the process and ensure compliance,” Uzzaman told to the Times of Oman.