The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped giving tourist and visit visas to Nepali citizens. This change has left travelers and travel agencies unsure about what to do next.
Until last year, Nepalis could sometimes get visas if they had traveled abroad before or could show they had enough income. This allowed tourists, students, and business travelers to visit places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Now, most visa applications are being rejected, making it very hard for people to plan short trips.
A few Nepalis who travel frequently or have strong business reasons can still get visas. But for the average person wanting a vacation, it’s becoming almost impossible.
Dubai to Sharjah Doesn’t Work Anymore
When Dubai started tightening visit visas last year, travel agencies tried applying through Sharjah as an alternative. For some time, it worked. But now, Sharjah has also started rejecting visa applications from Nepalis, closing one of the last options to enter the UAE.
The UAE Immigration Department and the UAE Embassy in Nepal have not given any official statement about this. Without clear information, people do not know how long the restrictions will last or what they need to get approved.
Old Problems, New Challenges
In the past, some Nepalis had to pay bribes—sometimes up to Rs 50,000—at Tribhuvan International Airport to get cleared for Dubai with a visit visa. That caused a big controversy, with people blaming then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The issue was eventually resolved, but the new restrictions are adding fresh challenges even for those following the rules.
Who Is Affected?
The UAE is important for Nepalis for vacations, work, or business. These visa problems are affecting:
- Families wanting to take trips or meet relatives.
- Students traveling for classes, workshops, or events.
- Business people and workers looking for short-term jobs.
With tourist visas so hard to get, many are delaying travel plans or looking for other destinations. This also affects Nepal’s travel agencies and businesses tied to tourism.
Why Is This Happening?
The UAE has not explained the reason for the ban, but some possible reasons include:
- Stricter rules: To prevent people from staying longer than allowed.
- Safety concerns: Many countries are tightening visa rules to improve security.
- Financial checks: Making sure travelers have enough funds for their visit.
What Can Nepalis Do?
Until the UAE provides more information, travelers should:
- Check visa requirements with trusted travel agencies.
- Avoid paying money to unofficial agents.
- Follow updates from the UAE Embassy or official UAE websites.
- Consider other destinations if travel is urgent.
This situation shows how unpredictable international travel can be. For Nepalis, the UAE is more than a destination—it is a place for jobs, education, tourism, and opportunities. Travelers need to stay informed, be patient, and adjust plans as needed.
