Travellers under the age of 18 planning to visit Dubai must now be accompanied by at least one parent, according to the updated visa policy announced by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre South Africa. The change, first introduced in 2023, was implemented late last year, replacing the previous policy that permitted minors to travel with a consent letter authorising an adult chaperone.
New Guidelines for Minor Travellers
The Dubai Visa Processing Centre South Africa has issued specific guidelines regarding the updated policy:
- Accompanied by Parent: Visas for travellers below the age of 18 will only be accepted if they are accompanied by at least one parent.
- Same Visa Type: Both the parent and child must be under the same type of visa.
- Simultaneous Application Submission: The parent and child’s visa applications must be submitted together. If the parent’s visa is approved first and the child’s application is submitted later, it will not be accepted.
- Chaperone Restrictions: No other relative, apart from a parent, will be accepted as a chaperone.
- Resident Visa Holders: If the parent holds a resident visa, the child should apply for a visa under their sponsorship, directly from immigration.
Impact and Challenges
According to Jacky Stephens, owner of Jacky Worldwide, the revised visa policy appears to apply to all African nationals. However, she pointed out inconsistencies in its implementation. Some minors have been allowed entry into Dubai with adult chaperones, while others have had their visa applications denied due to the absence of a parent.
These inconsistencies have raised concerns among travellers and travel agencies, prompting calls for clearer enforcement of the updated regulations.
Recommendations for Travellers
Given the evolving nature of visa policies, it is recommended that parents and guardians:
- Ensure they are fully informed of the latest visa requirements before planning travel.
- Submit visa applications well in advance, ensuring compliance with the new guidelines.
- Seek clarification from official Dubai visa processing centres to avoid unexpected travel disruptions.
The recent changes underscore Dubai’s commitment to tightening travel regulations while prioritising the safety and security of minors visiting the emirate.
