Originally Posted by
sethweinstein
Thanks for this information. I'm probably flying an AA award from BEY-AMM-DXB, both RJ legs. BEY-AMM is 07:40-09:30. For AMM-DXB I have a choice of 20:30-00:30 or 08:00-12:00.
I was in favor of the evening flight (to avoid two early mornings) but the prospect of a free hotel near the airport is intriguing. However, I'd definitely still want to get into town, even if I have to buy a full visa.
Is it possible to arrange for the free transit hotel at the transit desk but then still buy a tourist visa to be allowed to exit the hotel?
Seth
Yes, but it is very important to get the visa before you get to the hotel. You have to go to the RJ transit desk (follow signs for International Transit) and inform them that you want to get a free hotel, but you wish to purchase a visa. They will give you the voucher and take you to the immigration desks where you will have to buy the visa.
If you don't purchase it, the security guard manning the hotel entrance will not let you out.