UAE: Pakistanis on visit visa asked to buy return tickets from same airline

UAE Advises Pakistani Tourists to Purchase Return Tickets from Same Airline

Tourists coming to the UAE from Pakistan are advised to buy return flight tickets from the same airline to avoid the hassle of additional clearance.

Of late, the South Asian country’s airlines and authorities have been advising their nationals to meet all arrival visa requirements, such as proof of accommodation, substantial funds in the form of cash and credit cards, and return air tickets. Passengers who do not meet all requirements are denied boarding.

SereneAir, a privately owned Pakistani airline, said: “For a smooth process, we recommend purchasing return tickets through SereneAir. [Return] tickets from other airlines may require additional clearance at check-in.”

Another private carrier, Airblue, said it requires Airblue to seek approval from the UAE authorities before issuing a boarding card to those traveling to the UAE on a tourist visa with a return ticket from another airline.

Visit visa holders are also requested to have a return ticket valid within the visa period, hotel booking confirmation or proof of address and Emirates ID if staying with friends or relatives. “Hotel reservations, proof of residence and copies of return tickets from other airlines will be collected by staff during check-in,” the carrier said.

Airlines between the UAE and Pakistan enjoy very high seat availability due to the large number of tourists and Pakistani nationals living and working in the Emirates. There are currently 1.7 million Pakistanis living in the UAE. Additionally, millions of people from South Asian countries come to the UAE every year for tourism and work.

“Passengers must have a valid return ticket within the visa validity period. They should also have a confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation address with valid phone number. A minimum of $500 (Dh1,835) in cash or credit card in the traveler’s name is required for their stay in the UAE. Passengers who do not meet the requirements will be denied boarding at the airport of departure,” said Fly Jinnah, which operates flights between the UAE and Pakistan to various cities.

Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi had earlier urged his compatriots to fulfill all tourist visa requirements and not seek employment in the UAE while on tourist visas.

“Pakistanis coming to the UAE on a visit visa must include a return ticket, Dh3,000 in funds and hotel accommodation. When you are on a tourist visa, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, such as museums, mosques and shopping malls, so all you have to do is sightsee. Do not try to find a job while on a tourist visa. Job seekers should come to the UAE on an employment visa,” the ambassador had said in an interview earlier.