Tourists traveling from Pakistan to the UAE are being advised to purchase return air tickets from the same airline to avoid additional approval processes. Recently, airlines and officials from Pakistan have been urging their nationals to fulfill all visit visa requirements, including proof of accommodation, sufficient funds in the form of cash and credit cards, and return air tickets. Passengers who fail to meet these requirements are denied boarding.
"For a smoother process, we recommend purchasing return tickets with SereneAir. Tickets from other airlines may require additional approval at check-in," the carrier stated. Another private airline, Airblue, mentioned that tourists on a UAE tourist visa with a return ticket from another airline would need Airblue to seek approval from UAE authorities before issuing the boarding pass. They also emphasized that visit visa holders must have a valid return ticket within the visa duration and confirmed hotel booking or, if staying with friends/relatives, proof of their address and Emirates ID.
The aviation sector between the UAE and Pakistan experiences high seat occupancy due to the large number of tourists and Pakistani citizens living and working in the Emirates. Currently, there are 1.7 million Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE. Additionally, millions of people from Pakistan travel to the UAE annually for tourism and job opportunities.
Fly Jinnah, which operates flights between various cities in the UAE and Pakistan, reiterated that passengers must have a valid return ticket within the visa validity period, a confirmed hotel booking or accommodation address with a valid telephone number, and a minimum of $500 (Dh1,835) in cash or a credit card to cover their stay in the UAE. Those who do not meet these requirements will be denied boarding at the departure airport.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, previously advised his compatriots to meet all tourist visa requirements and not to seek jobs in the UAE while on a tourist visa. "Pakistanis coming to the UAE on a visit visa should have a return ticket, Dh3,000 funds, and hotel accommodation. When you're on a tourist visa, focus on tourism activities such as visiting museums, mosques, and malls. Do not try to find jobs while on a tourist visa. Those seeking employment should come to the UAE on an employment visa," the ambassador emphasized in an earlier interview.
