DXB Dubai · rules of the United Arab Emirates
Can I leave Dubai International Airport on my layover?
Choose your passport and enter your layover. You get the official entry rule for the United Arab Emirates and a time budget that counts the queue, the trip into Dubai and the way back.
Choose your passport to see whether you can leave Dubai International Airport.
United States passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA; stay length (30 vs 90 days) not shown on that page.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside Transit visa needed only to step out of the airport.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Canada passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
United Kingdom passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Australia passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
New Zealand passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
EU / EEA / Switzerland passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Germany, France and Switzerland checked: 'Visa Free'. Other EU/EEA states not individually checked.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
India passport
Yes, with a visa on arrival
- Leave the airport
- Ordinary passport + US visa or green card, or UK/EU residence visa, each valid at least 6 months: visa on arrival. Since 25 June 2026 residence permits from Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ and Canada also qualify. Without these: visa required (pre-arranged, or 48/96h transit visa via airline).
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Visa on arrival for citizens of the Republic of India (GDRFA Dubai):
This service allows citizens of the Republic of India who hold an ordinary passport to be granted an entry visa to UAE as a visitor for a period of 14 days which can be extended for a similar period for one time only.
-
Six New Nationalities and Six Additional Countries of Residence Added to Eligibility Criteria (25 June 2026) (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)):
the 60-day visa is issued as a single-entry, non-extendable visa.
-
UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countries (25 June 2026) (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is AED 100.
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
China (mainland) passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Brazil passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Mexico passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
South Africa passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- MOFA: 'Visa Required'. Since 25 June 2026: visa on arrival with a valid residence permit from the US, an EU state, UK, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ or Canada. Otherwise a pre-arranged transit visa via the airline.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countries (25 June 2026) (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is AED 100.
-
Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE (updated 13 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
Some of the other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival while others need to apply for a visa in advance.
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Philippines passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- As ZA (Philippines added on 25 June 2026).
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countries (25 June 2026) (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is AED 100.
-
Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE (updated 13 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
Some of the other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival while others need to apply for a visa in advance.
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
Japan passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
South Korea passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- Listed 'Visa Free' by MOFA.
- Stay airside
- No document needed to stay airside As US.
Official sources (2), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa exemptions for non-citizens (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
Visa Free (United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea); Visa Required (South Africa, Philippines, India)
-
Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026) (UAE Government portal (u.ae)):
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa.
DXB Your layover
Before you go
Going into Dubai
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Leave your bags in Dubai
Radical Storage
Book a luggage locker near the station or your sight, so you can walk the city light.
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Short tours in Dubai
Klook
Skip-the-line tickets and short guided tours that fit a few hours.
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Fixed-price transfer from DXB
Kiwitaxi
A driver waiting at arrivals, useful when trains are not running or you travel in a group.
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Mobile data for the layover
Saily
An eSIM you install before you fly, for maps and your airline app in town.
Staying at DXB
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Lounge passes at DXB
Klook
Pay-per-visit lounge access where your card or ticket does not get you in.
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Missed your connection?
AirHelp
Check whether a delay or a missed connection entitles you to compensation.
These are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. They never change what the planner tells you.
Who can leave DXB without a visa?
Dubai International (DXB) connections normally stay airside; a transit visa is only needed if you are not visa-free / visa-on-arrival eligible and intend to step out of the airport. The UAE foreign ministry lists US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, EU states, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Korea as 'Visa Free'; India, South Africa and the Philippines need a visa, but get a visa on arrival if they hold qualifying US/UK/EU (and since 25 June 2026 more) residence documents. Others can get a 48- or 96-hour transit visa, arranged before arrival through a UAE-based airline, travel agency or airport hotel.
| Passport | Leave the airport |
|---|---|
| United States | Yes, no visa needed |
| Canada | Yes, no visa needed |
| United Kingdom | Yes, no visa needed |
| Australia | Yes, no visa needed |
| New Zealand | Yes, no visa needed |
| EU / EEA / Switzerland | Yes, no visa needed |
| India | Yes, with a visa on arrival · 14 days (extendable once), or 60 days under the 2026 category |
| China (mainland) | Yes, no visa needed |
| Brazil | Yes, no visa needed |
| Mexico | Yes, no visa needed |
| South Africa | Not without a visa · 14 or 60 days if residence-based visa on arrival applies; else 48/96h transit visa |
| Philippines | Not without a visa · 14 or 60 days if residence-based visa on arrival applies; else 48/96h transit visa |
| Japan | Yes, no visa needed |
| South Korea | Yes, no visa needed |
12 of the 14 passports we cover can leave the airport without applying for a visa first (some need an online authorisation). Other passports: check the official sources linked in the planner.
Transit rules in the United Arab Emirates
UAE 48-hour / 96-hour transit visa
Who: Travellers not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival who want to leave the airport
- sponsored by the UAE-based airline you are travelling on (or a travel agency / airport hotel)
- must be processed and approved before entering the UAE
- single entry, cannot be extended
Source: UAE Government portal (u.ae)
Residence-based visa on arrival (14-day / 60-day)
Who: Ordinary-passport nationals of India, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa
- valid residence permit from the US, EU member states, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (Indians: also a US visit visa or green card)
- 14-day visa AED 100, extendable once; 60-day visa AED 250, single stay, not extendable
- overstay fine AED 50 per day
Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Getting from DXB into Dubai
We measure to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (Downtown). Times are the operators' own figures; ≈ marks a timetable-based estimate where no official door-to-door time is published.
| Option | Time | Fare | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro Red Line from Airport Terminal 1 or 3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall source | ≈30 min | – | – |
| Dubai Metro Red Line from Airport Terminal 1 (R14) or Terminal 3 (R13) to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station source | – | AED 8.50 Red ticket / AED 7.50 Silver nol for more than 2 zones (zone count for this trip not confirmed; 2 adjacent zones = AED 6 / 5) | Mon-Thu & Sat 05:00-24:00, Fri 05:00-01:00, Sun 08:00-24:00 |
| Dubai Taxi (DTC) from ranks at each terminal, starting fare AED 25 plus distance source | – | – | 24h |
Good to know: Three terminals: T1 (Concourse D) and T3 (Emirates, Concourses A/B/C) linked airside by airport train; Emirates says ~30 min between concourses. Metro stations at T1 and T3 only (T2 by bus/taxi). Metro allows max two pieces of luggage incl. hand luggage. Metro opens only at 08:00 on Sundays. Some flights use Dubai World Central (DWC), ~60 km away: change of airport via Metro to Ibn Battuta + dedicated bus. Emirates 'Dubai Connect' gives a free hotel to some long-connection passengers (6-26 h, conditions apply) but there is no free city tour.
If you stay in the airport
- Transit hotel
- Dubai International Hotel (airside, Terminal 3 Concourses A/B/C) source
- Left luggage
- 24/7 at T1 (dnata, Arrival level near Boots/Etisalat), T2 (dnata) and T3 (Emirates Left Luggage, Arrival level near Exit 1 behind Boots); T1/T2 AED 40 standard bag, T3 AED 35, per 12 h or less source
- Free layover tour
- None that we know of.
Questions
Do I need a visa for a layover in Dubai?
If you stay airside, it depends on your passport: Dubai International (DXB) connections normally stay airside; a transit visa is only needed if you are not visa-free / visa-on-arrival eligible and intend to step out of the airport. The UAE foreign ministry lists US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, EU states, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Korea as 'Visa Free'; India, South Africa and the Philippines need a visa, but get a visa on arrival if they hold qualifying US/UK/EU (and since 25 June 2026 more) residence documents. Others can get a 48- or 96-hour transit visa, arranged before arrival through a UAE-based airline, travel agency or airport hotel. Choose your passport above for the exact rule and its official source.
How long does it take to get from DXB to Dubai?
The fastest public option, Dubai Metro Red Line from Airport Terminal 1 or 3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, takes about 30 minutes to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (Downtown) (timetable-based estimate). The planner adds 20% for waiting and delays.
How long a layover do I need to leave Dubai International Airport?
With our cautious defaults (45 minutes to get out, 120 minutes back before departure, the transfer both ways plus 20%), you need about 6 hours for 90 minutes in the city. Below that, stay in the airport.
Rules checked against official sources on 2026-11-01; airport facts from Dubai International Airport. Found something out of date? Tell us.