Imagine saving up for a dream holiday, only to have it ruined because of your appearance.
That’s what happened to Jordan Howman, a 34-year-old British man who was denied entry to Dubai due to his face tattoos.
HisAU$5,500 holiday was left in tatters, and he’s vowed never to return to the country.
The Shocking Experience
Jordan, a plasterer from Crewe, Cheshire, had visited Dubai twice before without any issues. However, this time, he was stopped at passport control and had his passport confiscated.
He was held for six hours before being told he couldn’t enter the country because of his face tattoos. The dad-of-one was terrified, especially when he wasn’t given his passport back for a while.
A Dream Holiday Turned Sour
Jordan had planned a week-long holiday with his fiancée Theresa and daughter Kaic. However, his tattooed face seemed to be the problem.
He claimed that airport staff used the electronic gates as an excuse to take his passport away.
After being held in a waiting room for over four hours, Jordan was transferred to immigration, where he was told he couldn’t enter Dubai because of his appearance.
The Financial Blow
Jordan’s holiday was not only ruined, but he also lost a significant amount of money.
His family had already checked into their five-star Anantara hotel, and his partner had to take a taxi to the airport, only to be refused entry to see him.
The total cost of the taxi rides was around £250 (around AU$450). Jordan was eventually put on a flight back to the UK, and he only got his passport back when he landed.
Dubai’s Tourist Laws
Tourists visiting Dubai need to be aware of the local customs and traditions. Swearing, loud music, and public displays of affection are banned.
Visitors must also observe Ramadan rules and be careful when taking photos of individuals or sensitive sites. There are also strict rules around visa regulations, drinking alcohol, and drug laws.
A Warning to Travelers
Jordan’s experience serves as a warning to travelers with face tattoos or other visible ink. While there’s no law against face tattoos in Dubai, it seems that the country’s immigration laws can be unpredictable.
Travelers need to be aware of the local customs and traditions to avoid any issues during their holiday.
As for Jordan, he’s unlikely to forget his nightmare experience in Dubai and has vowed never to return to the country.