6 h
Only with a free entry stamp
- Metro to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall.
- Walk the mall and the fountain plaza.
- Head straight back.
Dubai layover: can you leave Dubai International Airport?
US, UK, EU and Australian passports get a free entry stamp at Dubai. Indian travellers need a qualifying US, UK or EU visa or residence, and Nepali travellers need a visa arranged before flying, usually the Emirates transit visa.
Rules researched 17 Oct 2026. Always confirm with the official source and your airline.
Can you leave? Rules by passport
| Passport | Can you leave? | What to know | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| United Kingdom | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Germany | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| France | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Italy | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Spain | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Netherlands | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Other EU / Schengen country | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Most EU countries get 90 days. A few differ (Ireland is listed at 30 days), so check your country. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Australia | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. 90 days within 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Canada | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Stamped free on arrival (30 or 90 days depending on the current list). Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| New Zealand | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Stamped free on arrival. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Japan | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Stamped free on arrival. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| South Korea | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Stamped free on arrival. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| Singapore | Yes, you can leave | Free visa on arrival. Stamped free on arrival. Passport valid for 6 months. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
| India | Yes, with conditions | Visa on arrival with a qualifying visa or residence. 14-day visa on arrival if you hold a US visa or green card, or an EU visa or residence permit, valid for at least 6 more months. Eligibility based on UK residence alone was reported to be ending in July 2026, so confirm before you fly. | GDRFA Dubai: visa on arrival for Indian citizens |
| Nepal | Only with a visa arranged before you fly | Visa needed before you fly. The usual option is the Emirates transit visa (48 or 96 hours), applied for at least 4 working days before you arrive. Otherwise a tourist visa in advance. | Emirates: UAE visa information |
Other passport? Check the official source above, then use the checker for the time maths. Spotted a change? Tell us.
Emirates transit visa
Emirates passengers flying on from Dubai can apply for a 48-hour (about USD 10) or 96-hour (about USD 49) transit visa in Manage your booking, at least 4 working days before arrival. It can't be extended. flydubai offers its own transit visas.
Source: Emirates: UAE visa information
Just changing planes? Do you need a visa at DXB?
International connections on one booking stay airside, with no UAE visa needed. Follow the transfer signs to your gate or the airline transfer desk.
Changing terminals
Terminals 1 and 3 are linked airside (Terminal 3's A gates by train). Terminal 2, used mostly by flydubai, is separate: ask your airline how your connection is handled. Dubai World Central (DWC) is a different airport 60 km away, and moving between DXB and DWC means entering the UAE.
Going on to a domestic flight
The UAE has almost no domestic flights, so connections here are international.
Separate tickets (self-transfer)
On separate tickets, visa-free passports and visa holders clear passport control, collect their bags and check in again. If you need a visa and don't have one, the Marhaba service at the transfer desk can help move your bags, for a fee.
How long to allow
Allow at least 75–90 minutes, more if you change terminal.
Airport transit visa by passport
None of the 16 passports we cover needs a visa to change planes airside at DXB, on one booking with your bags checked through. Entering the country, for a terminal change through immigration, a domestic flight or separate tickets, follows the rules in the table above.
Sources: Dubai Airports: transfers
How much time will you really have?
45 minto get through immigration and out
35 mineach way to the main sights
2 hback at the airport before departure
5.5 hminimum layover for 90 minutes outside
Check metro hours on the RTA website before a very early or late layover, especially on Sundays.
Getting to Dubai
| Option | Time | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro, Red Line (Terminal 1 and 3 stations) | About 25–35 min to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | AED 5–8.50 by zone with a Nol card (Silver card AED 25 including AED 19 credit) | Roughly 5 am to midnight Mon–Thu, later on Fridays, from 8 am on Sundays. |
| Airport taxi | About 20–30 min, more at rush hour | Higher starting fare from the airport | 24 hours. |
At the airport
- Left luggage in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 3.
- Airside sleep pods and transit hotels.
- Many lounges and shower facilities.
Layover plans for Dubai
Times assume you can leave the airport with your passport. Pick the plan that fits your layover, not your hopes.
10 h
Old Dubai by the Creek
- Metro to Al Fahidi historic district.
- Cross the Creek on an abra (wooden water taxi).
- Gold and Spice Souks.
- Finish at Dubai Mall before heading back.
16 h
Add the view from the top
- Everything in the 10-hour plan.
- Burj Khalifa observation deck (book a time slot ahead).
- Evening walk at Dubai Marina.
24 h
A night in Dubai
- Hotel night.
- Desert safari tour, or a morning at Jumeirah beach.
Stopover packages. Emirates and flydubai both sell Dubai stopover packages with hotel nights.
Dubai layover questions
Can I leave Dubai International Airport on a layover?
It depends on your passport. United States: yes, you can leave; United Kingdom: yes, you can leave; Germany: yes, you can leave; France: yes, you can leave; Italy: yes, you can leave; Spain: yes, you can leave; Netherlands: yes, you can leave; Other EU / Schengen country: yes, you can leave; Australia: yes, you can leave; Canada: yes, you can leave; New Zealand: yes, you can leave; Japan: yes, you can leave; South Korea: yes, you can leave; Singapore: yes, you can leave; India: yes, with conditions; Nepal: only with a visa arranged before you fly. Check the table on this page and the official source before you fly.
How long a layover do I need to leave the airport in Dubai?
About 5.5 hours or more. You need around 45 minutes to get out, 35 minutes each way to the main sights, and should be back 2 hours before departure.
How do I get from DXB to Dubai city centre?
Dubai Metro, Red Line (Terminal 1 and 3 stations): About 25–35 min to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, AED 5–8.50 by zone with a Nol card (Silver card AED 25 including AED 19 credit). Airport taxi: About 20–30 min, more at rush hour, Higher starting fare from the airport.
Do I need a transit visa for Dubai (DXB)?
International connections on one booking stay airside, with no UAE visa needed. Follow the transfer signs to your gate or the airline transfer desk. None of the passports we cover needs a visa to change planes airside here.
Do I need a visa to change terminals at Dubai International Airport?
Terminals 1 and 3 are linked airside (Terminal 3's A gates by train). Terminal 2, used mostly by flydubai, is separate: ask your airline how your connection is handled. Dubai World Central (DWC) is a different airport 60 km away, and moving between DXB and DWC means entering the UAE.
Can I self-transfer at DXB on separate tickets without a visa?
On separate tickets, visa-free passports and visa holders clear passport control, collect their bags and check in again. If you need a visa and don't have one, the Marhaba service at the transfer desk can help move your bags, for a fee.
Sources
Researched 17 Oct 2026. Rules change, so open the official page before you fly.