Table of contents
Quick answer
After landing at DXB you go through passport control (many nationalities get a visa on arrival or enter visa-free; others need a visa before travelling), collect your bags, pass customs and come out into arrivals. There you can buy a SIM card or eSIM, withdraw dirhams and choose your ride: the taxi rank, the Metro at Terminals 1 and 3, ride-hailing, or a pre-booked driver with a name sign.
1What happens at immigration in Dubai?
Passport control comes first. Citizens of many countries receive a visit visa on arrival or enter visa-free; others must hold a visa before they fly. Rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time, so check with the UAE authorities or your airline before you travel.
Eligible travellers can use the smart gates, which are usually quicker than the staffed counters.
2What about baggage and customs?
Baggage belts are listed by flight number on the screens. At customs, the UAE restricts certain medicines — some prescription drugs, and anything containing controlled substances — so carry prescriptions and check the rules if you take regular medication. Alcohol and tobacco have duty-free allowances.
3Where do you get a SIM card and cash?
- Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are sold in arrivals and by the main UAE operators; some airlines and hotels offer them too.
- Free airport Wi-Fi is enough to message a driver or book a ride.
- ATMs in arrivals dispense dirhams; cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis.
4How do you get from the airport to your hotel?
| Option | Where | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | WhereRank outside arrivals | Good forQuick trips, one or two people |
| Metro Red Line | WhereTerminals 1 and 3 | Good forLight luggage, hotels near a station |
| Uber / Careem | WhereRide-hailing pick-up area | Good forSeeing the price first |
| Pre-booked transfer | WhereName sign in arrivals | Good forFamilies, late arrivals, luggage |
If a driver is meeting you, message them when you reach the baggage belt. Immigration and bags can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour.
5What to expect outside the terminal
From May to September the heat outside arrivals is intense, even at night. Keep water to hand, and have your ride sorted before you step out — waiting at the kerb in August is not pleasant, especially with children.
6Arrival checklist
- 1Passport and any visa documents in hand before the queue.
- 2Hotel address saved in English and as a map pin.
- 3Transfer booking with the driver's number, if you have one.
- 4A small amount of cash as a backup, though cards work almost everywhere.
- 5Phone connected — airport Wi-Fi, a local SIM or an eSIM.
7Arriving with children
- Book a transfer with child seats confirmed in writing; taxis do not guarantee them.
- Family lanes are sometimes available at passport control.
- Pushchairs are usually returned at the aircraft door or at baggage claim.
- Keep water and snacks handy — immigration queues can be long at peak times.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Dubai?
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors get a visa on arrival or enter visa-free; others need one in advance. Check with the UAE authorities or your airline before travelling.
How long does it take to get through Dubai Airport?
Usually 20–60 minutes from landing to arrivals, longer when several large flights land together.
Can I buy a SIM card at Dubai Airport?
Yes. Tourist SIM cards and eSIM plans are sold in arrivals.
What is the best way from Dubai Airport to my hotel?
A taxi for short trips, the Metro if you are near a station with light bags, and a pre-booked transfer for families, late arrivals and long runs to the Marina or the Palm.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Dubai Airport?
Yes. DXB has free Wi-Fi across its terminals; you may need to reconnect after a time limit. It is enough to book a ride or message your driver.
What currency should I have when I land in Dubai?
The UAE dirham (AED). Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, including taxis, so you only need a little cash. ATMs in arrivals give dirhams.
Where do I meet my transfer driver at DXB?
Drivers usually wait in the arrivals hall after customs, holding a sign with your name. Your transfer company should send the driver's name and phone number before you land.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
