Travel updates

We’re expecting a high volume of passengers travelling from Dubai during the summer peak travel season.

Please arrive at least three hours before your departure from Dubai. It may take longer than usual to pass through security and immigration to reach your gate. Please be at your boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure.

To avoid traffic delays, we recommend allowing extra time to reach the airport. You can also use the Dubai Metro to Emirates Terminal 3. The metro opening hours are:

• Monday to Thursday and Saturday - 5am to 12am
• Friday - 5am to 1am
• Sunday - 8am to 12am

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

• Check in online or on the Emirates app and select your seats
• Check in and drop your bags 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours ahead for US flights
• Use our quick self check-in and bag drop kiosks or Emirates Check-in Ports
• 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 closer to home from 24 to 4 hours ahead of your flight, except for flights to the US:
• Emirates City Check-in Ajman is open 24/7
• Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC is open from 8am to 10pm daily. From 1 July the opening hours are extended from 8am to 12am.

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

To receive travel updates, please make sure your contact details are correct on Manage Your Booking.

Several countries have implemented travel entry restrictions and/or enhanced screening measures due to the Ebola virus. 

We advise customers to check the entry requirements of their destination country via official government channels.

UAE entry restrictions – effective 6 June 2026, 1:00 PM Dubai time (until further notice)

The UAE will not allow entry to travellers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, unless the traveller has been outside of these countries for more than 21 days.

Travellers who are transiting through the UAE are required to comply with the travel entry measures of their final destination. 

The entry and transit restrictions apply to all travellers, even those arriving by indirect routings.

We’re transforming our First Class Lounge on Concourse C in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. While we make these improvements, the lounge will be closed. You can enjoy our full lounge experience on Concourse B.  

We’re sorry for the inconvenience.  

The European Union has introduced 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. Download the Travel to Europe app and register before you fly to save time and speed up border checks.  

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.

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.

eVisas Update My Details

• If you hold a UK immigration status such as a visa, have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or an expired biometric residence permit or card, you should take action to access your eVisa before you travel and make sure your passport details are up to date: eVisas: Update your details in your UKVI account.
• If you already have an eVisa, keep your UKVI account up to date with your personal details and current passport or travel document to avoid potential travel delays: eVisas: access and use your online immigration status.

EU Settlement Scheme Status

• If you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you will have been issued with an eVisa. Check your details are correct and link the valid passport that you intend to use for travel, to your UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account to avoid delays when travelling to the UK.
• If you have been issued with a new passport or identity document since you originally applied to EUSS, you should update your UKVI account with the details of your new travel document: Check your eVisa is correct before you travel.
• From early 2026, if you have not linked your current travel document(s) to your UKVI account, you may experience inconvenience and delays when travelling to the UK as additional checks may be required to confirm your UK immigration status, and you may be denied boarding.