DXB
Dubai International Airport
Practical guidelines for Dubai International Airport — security, bags, and connections. Take the full checklist offline in the app.
Baggage
Baggage policies
Emirates and flydubai have hub-specific rules. Free baggage allowance depends on fare class. Oversized items require pre-approval. Smart Gates for baggage drop available at Terminal 3.
- Weigh bags at self-service kiosks
- Wrap fragile items before check-in
boarding
Boarding gates
Gates close 20 minutes before departure. Boarding is by zone/group. A380 flights use dual boarding bridges at Terminal 3.
Check-in
Check-in procedures
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. Airport check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure for most airlines. Self-service kiosks available in all terminals.
customs
Immigration and customs
UAE offers visa on arrival for many nationalities. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Declare cash over AED 100,000. Alcohol allowance: 4 litres of wine or spirits for non-Muslim visitors over 18.
- Complete arrival card digitally via UAE ICA app
- Biometric e-gates for eligible passport holders
facilities
Airport facilities
Free Wi-Fi throughout. Sleeping pods, showers, and lounges available for purchase. Multi-faith prayer rooms in all terminals. 24-hour dining and retail.
local rules
UAE-specific regulations
Public decency laws apply within the airport. Photography of government/military areas prohibited. E-cigarettes permitted in designated smoking areas only.
Security
Security screening standards
Dubai International follows ICAO standards with additional UAE-specific protocols. All passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics from bags. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less inside a single transparent resealable bag (max 1 litre).
- Arrive 3 hours before international flights
- Smart Gates available for UAE residents
- Laptops must be removed from cases
transit
Transit without visa
Passengers transiting through DXB without leaving the airport generally do not need a UAE visa. Connection time minimum 1 hour for same-terminal transfers, 2+ hours for terminal changes via shuttle.
- Follow purple 'Connections' signage
- Marhaba meet-and-greet available for tight connections
Fly prepared — on your phone
Full DXB profile, boarding-pass checklist, and AI coach offline.