Latest news with #Aidasani
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict sparks high surge in UAE visa extensions as tourists rush to stay safe
As political instability escalates in parts of the Middle East, the UAE is witnessing a growing wave of travel changes, with visitors and residents alike choosing to stay longer or cancel upcoming trips. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Travel agencies in the country are fielding a sharp increase in calls from individuals, particularly from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran, seeking solutions to remain in the UAE amid safety concerns and disrupted flight operations. Travel agents across the UAE have reported a noticeable surge in inquiries from tourists who had entered the country on short-term visit visas but now wish to remain longer than originally planned. The key reasons include airspace closures, flight cancellations, and widespread concerns about returning to areas affected by ongoing conflict. Speaking to a local news outlet, Khaleej Times, Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, confirme that many of these visitors are actively seeking legal avenues to extend their stay. 'Flights to some of these countries are being cancelled or delayed,' he said. 'We are getting many calls from visitors who are worried about returning and want to extend their visas or exit and re-enter legally.' He noted that Jordanian, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern nationals are among the most frequent callers, and that inquiries are coming in daily. 'Some visitors are scrambling to find a solution,' Aidasani explained. 'They are either trying to extend their visas or making plans to exit and re-enter the UAE on a fresh visa.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For many, the UAE is now seen as a safe haven compared to the unpredictability back home. Aidasani emphasized that this perception of the Emirates as a secure place is a major factor in their decision. 'The UAE continues to be seen as a safe place in the region, and many people feel more secure staying here until the situation improves,' he said. Residents Cancel or Postpone Summer Travel The shift in travel patterns is not limited to tourists. UAE residents, especially expatriates originally from regions experiencing tensions, are also opting to delay or cancel summer holiday plans. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, told Khaleej Times that many of their clients, including long-term residents, have decided against traveling this summer. 'People who had planned to travel for the summer are now staying back,' he said. 'They are concerned about the ongoing conflict and airspace closures. Many don't want to take the risk of traveling right now.' He noted that some residents were hesitant not only due to the conflicts themselves, but also due to unpredictability in flight schedules and the risk of being stranded or delayed. Flights Affected by Tensions in the Region In recent weeks, multiple flights connecting the UAE with countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran have been cancelled or rescheduled, primarily due to airspace restrictions linked to ongoing regional tensions. The geopolitical strain, particularly involving Iran and Israel, has led to closures of key flight corridors. As a result, passengers on connecting flights that pass through the affected region are also facing indirect disruptions, including missed connections and longer flight durations caused by re-routing. These delays have created further uncertainty for travelers, who are now increasingly cautious and opting to reconsider their immediate travel plans. Advice from Travel Agents: Act Early, Stay Informed With the situation remaining fluid, travel experts are urging visitors not to wait until the last minute when it comes to visa extensions or travel decisions. Being proactive can help avoid penalties or complications. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, advised short-term visitors to take timely action if they're uncertain about their travel plans. 'If you're on a visit visa and unsure of your travel plans, it's better to extend it in advance,' he said. 'Delaying could mean paying fines or even overstaying by accident. Act early and speak to your travel agent or apply through official channels.' He also recommended that both visitors and residents take the following precautions: Check flight updates regularly, as schedules are subject to sudden change Remain in close contact with embassies and consulates for the latest travel advisories Use licensed agents or official platforms for visa extensions or re-entry permits to avoid any legal issues
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
UAE visit visa mistakes to avoid: A guide to smooth application process
Securing a tourist or visit visa for the UAE requires careful attention to detail. Travel experts in the UAE have outlined key application requirements and common mistakes that could lead to delays or even visa rejections, as per a report by Gulf News. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures Sapna Aidasani, Marketing Director at Pluto Travels, pointed out that one of the most frequent errors is failing to provide full details of both parents when applying for a minor's visa. "If you are applying for a visa on behalf of a minor, generally under the age of 18, you will need to provide full details of both parents, along with written consent," she told Gulf News. "Applications without this information are often not approved by immigration authorities," she added. Another mistake is submitting multiple visa applications for the same individual. Aidasani stressed the importance of checking whether there is a pending application before submitting a new one to avoid duplication. Husham Kattingeri, Outbound Travel Supervisor at Regal Tours Worldwide, recommended waiting at least a month after leaving the UAE before applying for a new visit visa. 'If you plan to return soon, it is best to wait at least a month or more before starting a new application. Applying right after exit can sometimes result in complications,' Kattingeri said to Gulf News. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) To ensure a successful application, travellers must meet the following updated requirements: Live Events You Might Also Like: UAE visa photograph requirements; follow these to avoid delays & rejections Confirmed Return Tickets: A return or onward travel ticket is mandatory. This shows immigration authorities that the traveller intends to leave the UAE before the visa expires. Proof of Accommodation: Applicants need to provide either a hotel booking or proof of accommodation, such as a tenancy agreement or the address of a host in the UAE. Financial Proof: Travellers may be asked to show proof of financial capability through bank statements or by carrying sufficient cash, typically around Dh2,500 to Dh3,000. Aidasani also recommended that Indian nationals show a bank balance of at least INR 50,000 (Dh2,174.96). Carry Printed Documents: Kattingeri emphasized that travellers should carry printed copies of key documents like return flight tickets, accommodation details, and proof of funds. These documents help demonstrate that the traveller is a genuine visitor. Rikin Sheth, Assistant Vice President at highlighted that missing or unclear documentation is a common reason for visa refusal. He advised applicants to double-check their documents for completeness and accuracy before submitting them. Typical visa requirements include a valid passport (for at least six months), a passport-sized photo, a confirmed travel itinerary, and financial proof if requested. Applicants who have previously entered the UAE on a 30-day tourist visa must wait at least 30 days before applying for a new one. Immigration authorities are increasingly cautious about individuals attempting to re-enter the UAE on consecutive tourist visas. You Might Also Like: Indian nationals with visas from six more countries can now enter UAE with visa-on-arrival By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, travellers can reduce the risk of visa rejection and ensure a smooth process when applying for a UAE visit visa .
