Travel updates

Travel to the United Kingdom: Travel requirements to the UK are changing. This includes moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is a digital permission to travel.

If you do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check when you need an ETA to travel to the UK and apply: www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.

If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, or if you have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BCP), you should take action now to access your eVisa by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/eVisa.

If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and prove your immigration status with a passport stamp or vignette, you can make a free No Time Limit application to access an eVisa.

If you already have an eVisa, please tell the UK Government about the passport you intend to use for travel if it is not already linked to your eVisa UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.

Emirates is expecting a high volume of passengers travelling from Dubai the peak travel season. Please arrive at least three hours before your departure from Dubai and be at your boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure. During peak travel periods, it may take longer than usual to pass through security and immigration and to reach your gate.

We also recommend arriving by Dubai Metro to avoid traffic congestion.

Take advantage of our convenient check-in options for a smoother and faster journey:

• Check in online or on Emirates app and select your seats
• Check in and drop your bags 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours ahead for flights to the US.
• Use our quick self check-in and bag drop kiosks or Emirates Check-in Ports except for flights to the US flights
• Emirates Skywards members can register for Emirates Biometrics on the Emirates app before travelling to use facial recognition through the airport
• Book Home Check-in and let the agents come to you
• Check in at Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC and earn 2,500 bonus Miles with Emirates Skywards from 15 December to 15 January. You can check in from 24 to 4 hours ahead of your flight except for the flights to the US. We’ve also extended the hours to midnight.  
• Visit Emirates City Check-in, Ajman or our cruise check-in at Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour.
• Customers booked in First Class, as well as Platinum Skywards members , are eligible for complimentary Home Check-in.
• Customers travelling on flights to the US , or those with bookings for special services, are required to check in at the airport in person. 

  Visit our check-in options page for more ways to make your journey smoother.

 Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates. 

According to UAE government regulations, UAE nationals must have a minimum of 6 months’ validity on their travel document, whether they’re travelling with a passport or Emirates ID.

Please note:

• This requirement applies to all destinations except the GCC and regardless of the entry rules in your destination.
• If your travel document does not meet this requirement, you will not be able to complete the check-in process.

We strongly advise you to check the validity of your document before arriving at the airport to avoid any disruption to your travel plans. 

Passport renewal services are available at Terminal 3, Arrival Level Immigration Offices. The process typically takes 30 minutes, depending on the volume of passengers.

From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders. This system replaces the manual passport stamping process with a digital record of your entry and exit, including basic details and biometric data (such as fingerprints and a facial image). 

If you are a non-EU/Schengen national travelling to or from the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), the EES applies to you.

When you first arrive border officers will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) along with your passport details. This will be stored securely in the EES database.

On subsequent visits, you will not need to repeat the full process — your data will already be in the system. Your entry/exit will simply be recorded digitally.

EU citizens, Schengen residents, and those holding long-stay visas or residence permits are not affected.

Please allow extra time for border checks, especially on your first trip after the system goes live.

For more information, please visit the official EU EES information page.

From 1 October, all non-Indian nationals travelling to India must complete a new e-Arrival Card before the flight.

You can submit the immigration form on the India Bureau of Immigration website from 72 hours and no later than 24 hours before the flight. There is no registration fee for the e-Arrival Card online.

If you do not complete the form before you travel, it will result in a longer immigration process at the airport.

Please ensure your contact details are correct by visiting  Manage Your Booking to receive updates.