I have someone that has gone to London from the US (US CITIZEN) booked a return flight with Emirates has a 4 hour layover in Dubai before returning to JFK in New York. He was told that he needed a $1,000 BTA before they would allow him to fly
Problem is he doesn't have a 1,000. His wallet was lost while there and since his cards were turned off and he has no cash
He is stuck. Is this a requirement for overseas travel?

Is this really someone you know , next door neighbor, friend from church, or someone you have chatted with online that you really don't know.

It is easy, they overnight new credit cards to him at the local embassy, also if they have problems, just go to the US embassy there and they will help