Can I exit Dubai airport during a short layover?
I am travelling to India from the US via Dubai on an Emirates flight. I have a seven-hour layover in Dubai. I have a brother who lives in Dubai.
Will it be possible for me to meet him in the airport lobby or some common place at the airport? Or do I need a visa? I am an Indian citizen.
Best Answer
I was in the same situation couple of months ago. You will need a UAE visa because of the immigration holding transit area is out of bounds for people who are not travelling.
On the bright side, applying for a 96-hour UAE transit visa is easy and quick from Emirates Airlines' Manage Booking portal if you are travelling with them. You don't even need to submit your passport for the visa if you are travelling with Emirates. I received a PDF bar-code visa in less than a day after applying.
If you are not travelling with Emirates, you should try the traditional way of applying for a UAE visa.
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Can I go out of airport during layover time?
Re: Can I leave the airport during a layover? Yes you may, assuming your passport allows you visa free entry. Remember to take your boarding pass for your next flight with you otherwise you may not be able to re-enter airside.Can you leave and come back during a layover?
Typically, the airline will be able to check your luggage to your final destination (except when transiting the US), without the need to pick it up during your layover. However, if your layover is long (more than 12-24 hours), some airlines may not do this.Best things to do at Dubai Airport while have few hours Layover stop
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Answer 2
You cannot exit the airport and your brother won't be able to pass the security check and meet you. You will need a visa to enter UAE.
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