Why Are “Single-Name on Passport” Travelers Being Denied Entry To Gulf Countries? UAE Airline Authorities Revealed

The United Arab Emirates has changed the rules and regulations for the arrival of international passengers in the Gulf countries, and this rule has come into force internationally since November 21. Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo took note of this amendment and published a circular titled “Name Appearing On Passport For Travel To UAE.” On November 21, 2022.

“According to the National Advance Information Centre, UAE, the following guideline for travel to the UAE has been implemented immediately. Any passport holder with the same name (word) in the surname or given name will not be accepted by UAE immigration, and the passenger will be considered INAD. (Inadmissible),” said Curricular.

INAD, a term meaning “Inadmissible Passenger,” is a traveler who is not legally allowed to enter the country or state he wishes to enter according to specific rules and regulations. Airlines are then responsible for flying inadmissible passengers back to their home countries.

According to the entry rule issued by the UAE, visa applicants with only a single name, either their first or last name on the passport, are denied visa access, and their previously published visa is no longer valid. Furthermore, the person will be considered objectionable by the Immigration Department.

Confirming the news, IndiGo issued a statement that said, “As per instructions from the UAE Authorities, effective November 21, 2022, passengers with a single name on their passports traveling on tourist, visit or any other type of visa shall not be allowed to travel to/from UAE.”

However, according to the Budget Airline’s statement, passengers with a residence permit card or employment visa are allowed to travel to the Gulf countries. The “First Name” and “Surname” columns will be updated according to the passport owner’s given name.

Umar Ali
As editor in chief, I am always on the road, searching for hidden gems, undiscovered waterfalls, enticing hikes to explore, underrated delis, and more. Crafting compelling content that captures the true essence of each place is my passion. With years of experience in travel journalism, I strive to provide unbiased and factual content based on my real-life experiences. When I'm not out exploring, you can find me delving into local markets and devouring new foods, immersing myself in the cultures and communities that make each destination unique. It might sound like a tough job, but I love it!