pakistan travel ban

Are Dubai Visas Open for Pakistani Nationals?

Update on Dubai Visit Visa for Pakistanis

  • Dubai Family Visit Visas with child(ren) of age less than 18 has 50% approval ratio. Please note Children should have smartcards CNICs as well
  • Dubai Family Visit Visas of husband with wife have below average approval ratio
  • Dubai Family Visit Visas with child(ren) of ages 18 above have 50% approval ratio
  • Dubai Visit Visas for females (single ladies) have a relatiely high approval ratio, and the cases being processed through Sharjah Immigration
  • Transit Visas for UAE are being processed only if complete journey is through Emirates, Etihad or FlyDubai only 

The question “whether Dubai visas are open for Pakistani nationals” has been circulating among travelers and within the travel industry for some time. Officially, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Immigration has not announced any policy that explicitly bans or restricts visa issuance for Pakistanis or any other nationalities. However, recent trends have raised concerns, as a significant number of visa applications from Pakistani nationals have been rejected, including visit, transit, and work visas.

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This trend has sparked various speculations within the travel industry, though no official reasons have been provided by UAE immigration authorities. Among the theories discussed, several potential factors could be influencing these rejections:

    1. Diversification Policy: One theory suggests that the UAE is pursuing a diversification policy. As part of its efforts to create a more balanced demographic mix, the UAE may be focusing on attracting a broader range of nationalities beyond the predominant South Asian workforce. By limiting visas from specific regions, the UAE could be attempting to encourage applications from other parts of the world.
    2. Behavioral Concerns: Another possible reason for the increased rejection rates is linked to the reported misconduct, and overstay of some Pakistani nationals in the UAE. The UAE has strict laws and regulations, and any violations or negative behaviors can impact the perception and treatment of the entire nationality. Such incidents may have contributed to a more cautious approach by UAE immigration when processing visa applications from Pakistan.
    3. General Tightening of Immigration Policies: It is also possible that the UAE is tightening its immigration policies across the board, not just for Pakistanis. With the global economy facing challenges and many countries revising their immigration policies, the UAE might be adopting a more selective approach to visa approvals, emphasizing the quality and compliance of applicants over sheer numbers. 

What Does This Mean for Pakistani Travelers?

For Pakistani nationals planning to visit Dubai or other parts of the UAE, the current situation calls for careful preparation. While the UAE has not officially closed its doors to Pakistanis, there has been a noticeable increase in visa rejection rates. As a result, applicants must ensure their documentation is complete and accurate, while presenting it in the best possible light. We are advising clients to be particularly diligent during the application process, as even minor errors or inconsistencies could result in rejection.

In conclusion, while Dubai visas remain open to Pakistani nationals, the increased rejections highlight the need for caution and thoroughness in the application process. Understanding the potential factors behind these trends can help travelers better prepare and avoid unnecessary complications.

  • Older Applicants (Above 45 Years): UAE Visa authorities are still issuing visit visas relatively smoothly for Paksitani applicants over 45 years old.
  • Younger Applicants (Below 45 Years): It is advisable to apply for an Emirates-sponsored 30-day visit visa, ideally with a return ticket booked on Emirates. However, this process requires a bank statement showing a maintained balance of at least PKR 2.8 million.
  • Families with Young Children: Authorities are issuing visas for families with young children, especially when both parents are traveling. However, they may reject applications from families with children over 18 years old.

When will UAE visit visas open for Pakistanis?

The UAE launched an amnesty scheme on 1st September 2024, which was initially set to end on 31st October 2024. However, it has been extended until 31st December 2024. It is being speculated that UAE visit visas for Pakistani nationals might reopen after the amnesty period concludes.

How Can Pakistani  Nationals Improve Their Chances of Getting a Dubai Visa?

Pakistani Nationals can improve their chances of Dubai Visit Visa by consulting us, and getting following additional documents (Scanned copies):

  1. Booking the return ticket with Emirates.
  2. Providing a bank statement with a minimum maintained balance of 2.8 million PKR (28 lacs). The statement must be signed and stamped by your bank to verify its authenticity.
  3. Signed and Stamped Account Maintainence Letter.
  4. CNIC (Front and Back)
  5. Passport (1st and 2nd Page)

Can I apply for a Dubai visa online from Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistani nationals can apply for a Dubai e-visa online. The process requires submitting digital copies of your passport, a recent photo, and other necessary documents to us, or any other UAE immigration authorized agency. After making the payment, you will receive your Dubai visit visa in 2-5 working days by email or whatsapp.

 

Is there a specific date when Dubai visas will fully reopen for Pakistani nationals?

There is no official date for when Dubai visas will fully reopen specifically for Pakistani nationals. Although visas are still being issued, recent trends show higher rejection rates. It seems that UAE immigration policy is long term, and will take some time before the visa policy is loosened.

UAE visa amnesty explained: No ban, fines, exit fees for illegal residents; who can apply?

There will be no ban and no fines levied against those who will avail the two-month amnesty period that will start on Sunday, September 1, the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said in a press conference on Wednesday. The ICP also clarified that the amnesty programme covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas. Those who were born with no documents can also avail of the amnesty and rectify their status.
This is the best opportunity for those who are staying illegally in the UAE to either regularise their residency status or leave the country without fines,” the ICP said, underscoring that those who will opt to leave the country can return any time with the right visa. The ICP added that there will be no overstay fine or exit fee collected. This will be the fourth amnesty programme by the UAE government since 2007. The last one was six years ago. It started on August 1, 2018, and was supposed to run for only 90 days until October 31, 2018, but the federal government extended the amnesty scheme for two more months until December 31 that year to allow more residency violators to rectify their status or leave the country with no penalties.

UAE Visit Visa Terms & Conditions

Before begining your Dubai Transit Visa application process, its impervious to read the T&Cs through the link.

Stay informed and up-to-date on the status of your visa application with our user-friendly Visa Status tracking feature.

Experiences of Pakistanis Regarding Dubai Visas

The experiences of Pakistani nationals regarding Dubai visas reveal a mix of challenges and successes. Here’s a look at various perspectives shared online:

1. Visa Restrictions and Uncertainty

“The UAE has had a blanket shadow ban on issuing visas to Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghan, and Lebanese nationals due to national security concerns.”
Frustration is common among those unable to obtain visas, with many pointing out the arbitrary nature of restrictions and the lack of clarity about when they might be lifted.

2. Successful Applications Despite Challenge

“I got approved for a 48-hour visa (as per layover) through Dubaivisa.pk website for November (next week) on my way to Pakistan. I have visited UAE once before, last year.”
Some Pakistanis still manage to secure transit visas, especially for short stays tied to layovers, highlighting that not all applications are rejected.

3. Changes in Visa Policies

“I applied through Etihad earlier this year and got it, but I’m assuming I won’t be able to get it anymore. Looks like the policy has gotten a lot worse in the last few months, sad.”
This reflects the evolving nature of visa policies, with stricter regulations making it increasingly difficult for many to travel to the UAE.

4. Behavioral Concerns and Social Impact

“The real problem here is the people. No state wants visitors from countries who create problems in society. Many visitors are not genuine tourists; they aim to find work, legally or illegally. Some visitors create disturbances, which lead to stricter policies.”
While controversial, this perspective sheds light on underlying issues affecting visa policies. Actions by a small minority have led to broader consequences for all travelers from Pakistan.

5. Quick Approvals for Some Applicants

“The case is not the same for everyone. I applied myself along with my family and got accepted in 3 hours. I attached hotel bookings and a bank statement.”
This experience shows that applications with proper documentation, such as proof of accommodation and financial stability, can still receive swift approvals.

6. Successful Applications Despite Challenges

“I applied myself along with my family and got accepted in 3 hours. I attached hotel bookings and a bank statement.”
Some applicants report quick visa approvals, suggesting that well-prepared applications with complete documentation can still be successful.

7. Family Visa Issues

“One of our associates from Islamabad was stuck at Dubai airport due to family visa issues. He applied with his wife but traveled alone. Upon reaching, authorities asked about his wife. They allowed him to stay at the airport until she joined him in Dubai.”
Family visas require adherence to specific guidelines. Non-compliance can lead to complications, as authorities enforce strict policies.

8. Concerns About Future Policies

“If some people got into your house illegally and you successfully kicked them out, you would be extra cautious next time that they don’t enter again. It’s the same case here.”
Stricter policies are expected to persist as the UAE works to prevent illegal immigration and maintain its desired social and economic balance.

17 Comments

      • I am a solo traveler aged 24 going to meet my teacher. I was applying for a visit visa but reluctant due to rejection rates. I am a female. Will my visa be rejected even if a dubai resident applies for my visa?

        • These days pakistani nationals are facing very high rejection ratio. We would advise you to stay in touch with our team and apply once the situation becomes favorable. Feel free to reach out on our Whatsapp anytime.

  1. If possible dubai visit vissa open then kindly inform me, i’m interesting the visit vissa my qualification is M.phil

  2. What is the status of visa issuance for pakistanis currently as the amnesty scheme has now been closed and what is the recent update

  3. I want to visit Sharjah for conference as my paper has been accepted, what are the chances conference dates 20 to 22 Feb 2025

    • Visit visas for Pakistani females have a high approval ratio of more than 80%. Your chances are definitely good, you can get in touch with us through WhatsApp for processing.

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