Ruth Haines
Dubai International Airport is a hub for transit passengers, with around 35% of travellers passing through the airport for a connecting flight. For those with a layover of more than 8 hours, a transit visa is required. This visa can be obtained in advance through a UAE-based airline and is typically issued for 48 or 96 hours. Travellers can then explore the city before their next flight. The airport itself offers a range of services for those in transit, including baggage transfer and printing of boarding passes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa | Required for layovers exceeding 8 hours |
| Issued for 48 or 96 hours | |
| Free for 48 hours | |
| AED 50 for 96 hours | |
| Must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline | |
| Non-extendable and non-renewable | |
| Must exit UAE within the visa duration | |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended |
| Baggage Transfer | Available for a fee |
| Boarding Pass | Can be printed at the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Transit visas for Indians
Indians require a UAE transit visa to travel through Dubai. This visa allows you to have a layover in one of the Dubai airports, and you can also use it to tour the country. If your layover in Dubai is for less than 8 hours, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you want to leave the airport during this time, you will need to apply for a transit visa.
There are two types of transit visas for Indians: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. The 48-hour visa is free of charge and cannot be extended or renewed. The 96-hour visa costs AED 50 and is also non-extendable and non-renewable. The duration of your transit visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. Both visas are single-entry permits.
You must apply for a transit visa in advance through a UAE-based airline, which acts as your sponsor. You cannot apply for this visa at a UAE embassy or consulate by yourself. The airline is responsible for obtaining your transit visa from the applicable visa-issuing agencies in the UAE. If your trip is through a travel agency, they can also help you get the visa, but all visas are routed through the airline. The application process can take 3-5 business days.
To obtain a transit visa, you need the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and a minimum of 2 blank pages
- A passport photo on a plain background
- A ticket for your final destination
- A copy of your flight voucher for your third destination
- A copy of your visa
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Baggage transfer
Dubai International Airport offers baggage transfer services for transit passengers. If you are travelling on separate tickets and do not have a Dubai visa, you can approach Marhaba Services at the transfer desk to transfer your bags for a fee. Emirates also offers a baggage transfer service for inter-terminal connections.
If you have booked all your connecting flights with Emirates, you can use their baggage transfer service for free. Your bags will be retagged and sent from your arrival terminal to your next departure terminal. However, your minimum connection time needs to be at least three hours to allow enough time for your bags to be collected and transferred.
If your connection requires changing between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), you will need to clear passport control, collect your baggage, and take a taxi or the Dubai Metro to Ibn Battuta station. From there, take the dedicated bus to DWC.
Dubai International Airport comprises three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is used by most airlines and has a Marhaba service to transfer your bags for a fee. Terminal 3 is wholly operated by Emirates, so most passengers have their boarding passes in advance. Terminals 1 and 2 offer transfer desks for international airlines and flydubai/regional carriers, respectively.
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Boarding passes
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a hub for transit passengers, with many travellers connecting to their next flight. The airport is well-equipped to handle the large volume of transit passengers, and the process is relatively straightforward.
When transiting through Dubai Airport, the first step is to collect your checked baggage. If you are flying with just one airline, such as Emirates, and have booked your flights under a single itinerary, your bags will automatically be transferred to your next flight. However, if you are flying with multiple airlines or have separate bookings, you may need to transfer your bags yourself or use a baggage transfer service, such as Marhaba, available at Terminal 1.
Once you have dealt with your checked baggage, you can proceed to the Flight Connections area, where you can print your boarding pass and check your documents. It is recommended to have a mobile boarding pass, as it makes the process smoother. You will need to present your boarding pass to transit at DXB. Most airline desks open a few hours before departure, allowing you to print your boarding pass ahead of time.
After obtaining your boarding pass, the transit process is complete, and you can proceed to the gate like any other passenger. It is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, visa (if required), and flight vouchers, as these will be checked by airport officials.
For those requiring a visa for their layover in Dubai, it is essential to apply for the correct type of transit visa in advance. The duration of your layover and your nationality will determine the type of visa needed. Indian citizens, for example, can obtain a single-entry transit visa for layovers between 8 and 48 hours or the 96-hour visa for layovers up to 96 hours. These visas must be obtained through a UAE-based airline acting as a sponsor.
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Travel insurance
If you are transiting through Dubai Airport, you may need a transit visa. This depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. Indians with a layover of more than eight hours, for example, will need a transit visa.
Whether or not you need a visa, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before transiting through Dubai Airport. Travel insurance can protect you from financial risks and ensure you are covered in the case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Here are some reasons why you should consider travel insurance:
Medical Emergencies
Trip Cancellations and Delays
Lost Luggage
Theft of Belongings
Peace of Mind
When purchasing travel insurance for Dubai, it is important to consider the specific requirements and restrictions. For example, alcohol consumption in public places is strictly prohibited in the UAE, and it is recommended to only exchange money at authorised places, such as airports. Additionally, it is important to keep your travel documents and other valuables safe at all times.
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Terminal transfer
Dubai International Airport is made up of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. If you are travelling in First Class and have a short connection time of less than 90 minutes before your next Emirates flight, a luxury transfer in a Mercedes Viano car to your departure concourse is provided. A Premium Connections Ambassador will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you to your car.
If your connecting flight is with a different airline, you may arrive and depart from different terminals. It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel between each concourse. There is a free bus service between Concourse A and Concourse C. In Terminal 3, travellers can walk between the B and C Gates and take a short ride on the airport train to the A Gates. There are also free airport buggies available at various points.
If you need to collect your bags and check in again, you must go through passport control and security 90 minutes before your flight. If you are flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class, you must arrive at the gate no later than 60 minutes before departure. This is 45 minutes if you are flying in First or Business Class.
If you are transferring between terminals and need assistance with baggage transfer, you can approach Marhaba Services at the transfer desk. Fees apply for this baggage transfer service.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are an Indian citizen and your layover in Dubai is more than 8 hours, you will need a transit visa to complete your travel. This visa is granted to tourists with a layover between 8 and 48 hours and is issued free of charge. The 96-hour visa is issued for a fee of AED 50.
You must have a valid passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your flight voucher for your third destination, and travel insurance.
Dubai International Airport is geared towards transit passengers. If you are flying with just one airline, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If you are flying with multiple airlines, you can pay for a baggage transfer service to transfer your bags for you. Once you've dealt with your checked baggage, you can print your boarding pass and proceed to the gate.
