Do I need a transit visa from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in Dubai?

You do not require a transit visa in Dubai if you are only transferring flights under 24 hours, regardless of the airlines you are travelling with. Upon your arrival to terminal 1, please follow the signs to connections and proceed to the transfer desk.



That’s a very common and important question for travelers transiting through Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The short answer is: No, you typically do not need a transit visa to move between terminals at DXB.

However, there are critical conditions you must meet. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

The General Rule (No Visa Needed)

As long as you meet all the following conditions, you can transit airside (without clearing immigration) between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 for free and without a visa: 1. Your entire journey is on a single ticket. 2. Your checked baggage is tagged through to your final destination. 3. You have your boarding pass for your onward flight. 4. Your connecting time is within the standard transfer window (usually 4-24 hours, but confirm with your airline).

How it works: You will disembark, follow the “Connections” or “Transfers” signs, go through a security check, and then use the inter-terminal shuttle. This shuttle is a dedicated, sterile bus that operates airside (you do not enter the UAE). It runs frequently between T1 and T3.

When You WOULD Need a Visa (or an Alternative)

You would need a UAE transit visa only if you must clear UAE immigration and enter the public landside area. This happens if: You have booked two separate tickets (not on one itinerary). You need to collect your baggage and re-check it. You want to leave the airport to visit Dubai during a long layover. Your airline requires you to check-in

People Also Ask

Yes, there are countries that require transit visas, even if you are connecting on the next possible flight at the same terminal.

MORE DETAILS

Connecting between Concourse A and C in Emirates Terminal 3 You can travel between the concourses by taking a short train journey or it may be a short walk away. We offer a convenient bus service between Concourse A and Concourse C to make your journey faster.

MORE DETAILS

Your luggage should be checked straight through to your final destination and two hours is plenty of time to transit through Dubai.

MORE DETAILS

The terminal was built as a multi-level underground structure with over 1,713,000 square metres of floor space combined with concourse B, a capacity of 43 million passengers and 22 aerobridges tailored to A380 aircraft.

MORE DETAILS

If your first flight leg is the international leg, you'll be put through customs on first arrival, then have to re-check any bags and go through security again for your connecting flight. I have 2 hours in dubai to get from one flight to the next. This is my first flight.

MORE DETAILS

You can transit at Dubai Airport without visa for 24 hours “maximum”. You do not need a transit visa, only if you wish to transfer through the inter-terminal shuttle bus service provided by DA. You can transit for a maximum of 24 hours.

MORE DETAILS

You need to be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before the departure of your connecting flight. If you don't have a UAE visa, the scheduled departure of the connecting flight needs to be within 24 hours of your arrival in Dubai. Without a UAE visa, you won't be allowed to leave the airport.

MORE DETAILS

Terminal 3 consists of three concourses (A-Gates, B-Gates and C-Gates) which are used exclusively by Emirates and Qantas. Terminal 1 Concourse D (D-Gates) is home to many of DXB's international airlines while Terminal 2 (F Gates) also provides access to regional and international flights.

MORE DETAILS

You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

MORE DETAILS

Refresh yourself with complimentary shower facilities located in Terminal 3 between gates B13 and B19. Be Relax customers can make use of shower facilities at the spa near Gate A1, Terminal 3.

MORE DETAILS

Connecting flights in Dubai We'll tag your bags right through to your final destination so you won't need to collect them and check them in again. If your connecting flight is with another airline, you may arrive and depart from different terminals.

MORE DETAILS