The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customers and Ports Security has changed its entry rule for international travellers effective from November 21, 2022. As per the new rule, single-name passengers will not be allowed entry into the UAE. This rule comes into effect as the authorities plan to digitise the process making it more user-friendly.
People applying for an updated entry permit online or via the app could be given an extension in less than 48 hours, as long as the correct criteria are met.
Various Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo have posted advisories on their website informing the passengers of the change.
The Air India circular reads: “As per National Advance Information Center, UAE, the following guideline has been implemented with immediate effect for travel to UAE. Any passport holder with a single name (word) either in a surname or given name will not be accepted by UAE immigration and the passenger will be considered as INAD (inadmissible).”
INAD stands for inadmissible passenger, which means people who are not allowed to enter the country that they want to travel to. INAD passengers must be taken back to their country by the airline.
This new rule is applicable to passengers with a visit visa, visa on arrival, employment, and temporary visas and is not applicable to existing UAE resident cardholders.