visa agent mentioned that hotel bookings are mandatory

[frank58richard]

My family is planning a trip to Dubai for a week in the first week of February, and we're staying with relatives. However, the visa agent mentioned that hotel bookings are mandatory for the visa application, even though we’re not staying in a hotel. Can anyone confirm if this is a standard requirement?

[NuvNatil]

I went for my interview with only my day-wise travel plan and no hotel bookings. The officer didn’t ask for any docs beyond the ones I submitted with the application.

[JeanMcaleer]

I booked a fully refundable hotel like mercure perth just to have something to show in case they asked. They didn’t ask me about accommodation at the interview, but I felt better having a confirmation in hand. You can cancel later if needed, as long as it’s refundable—safe and easy.

[DannyPhanny143]

I see it's been a while since you've posted, but I just want to ask if anyone here has recently gone through the B2 visa process and was actually asked for hotel bookings during the interview? I've heard mixed things—some say it's not needed, others say it helps. Would love to hear if anyone had real experience with showing or not showing one at the consulate.

[LandenPineda]

I was never asked for hotel bookings during my B1/B2 interview, just my itinerary and the reason for visiting. But I did carry printouts of a few example places I planned to stay at, like resort khao yai, just in case they questioned details. They didn’t, but having it helped me speak more confidently when explaining my travel plans.