Job Discussion Forums

[Chocolatina]

Does anyone know if some kind of short-term transit visa is required to change planes (and airlines) at the Dubai Airport? My onward flight is to Saudi Arabia, and the connection time is less than eight hours, so I don't qualify for the 96-hour transit visa. I assume I'll have to go through passport control, pick up my luggage and then check-in to my new flight. This wouldn't be a problem normally, but I'm from South America, and so some kind of transit visa might be required. The good news is I already have my Saudi visa in my passport.

[mishmumkin]

I don't think you'd actually pass through passport control and collect your bags unless the flights were booked separately. I'm pretty sure you'd be directed towards a transit lounge to wait out the 8 hours. Sorry-don't have any insight into acquiring a transit visa. You might try the Thorn Tree forum for some help. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa

[smedini]

Hey Chocolatina;

According to the Dubai Airport website:

"Immigration requirements - transit passengers
No documents or visas are required of passengers arriving and departing on the samethrough flight or transferring to another flight at the same or a nearby airport."

It seems to say nothing regarding nationality or travel documents...if you're moving on directly (i.e. same day) it would seem the authorities care neither where you're from nor where you are going...

~smedini

[Chocolatina]

Thanks for the information, Inshalla everything will work out.