Pakistanis visiting UAE asked to buy return tickets from same airline

Pakistanis travelling to UAE have been advised to buy return air tickets from the same airline to avoid the hassle of additional approvals.

As part of this initiative, visit visa holders are now required to book return tickets on the same airline.

SereneAir, a privately owned Pakistani airline, said: “For a smoother process, we recommend purchasing return tickets with SereneAir. [Return] ticket from other airlines may require additional approval at check-in."

SereneAir, a privately owned Pakistani airline, said: “For a smoother process, we recommend purchasing return tickets with SereneAir. [Return] ticket from other airlines may require additional approval at check-in."

“Passengers need to have a valid return ticket within the visa validity period. They must also have a confirmed hotel booking or accommodation address with a valid telephone number. A minimum of $500 (Dh1,835) in cash or a credit card is needed in the traveller's name to cover their stay in the UAE. Passengers who don’t meet the requirements will be denied boarding at the departure airport,” said Fly Jinnah, which operates flights to different cities between UAE and Pakistan.

It should be noted here that over 1.7 million Pakistanis currently reside in the UAE, and millions more travel to the country annually for tourism and job opportunities.

Requirements of new policy:

Mandatory return ticket: Visit visa holders must book a return ticket on the same airline to be allowed to board their flight.

Same PNR number: Round-trip tickets must have the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) number.

Airline compliance: The FIA and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority have directed airlines to refrain from issuing boarding passes to passengers who do not meet these requirements.