Emirates Refusing to Help with Transit Visa
Apr 25, 2015 | 9:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 928
Emirates Refusing to Help with Transit Visa
According to their website
"Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are traveling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping.
You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage a Booking tool after booking your Emirates flight."
I am flying on an award ticket from IAH to DXB with a 22-hr stopover on my way to ATH. The whole itinerary was booked with AS miles in F cabin.
Based on my nationality, I am NOT eligible for a visa on arrival even though I have a U.S. Green card.
When I try to use EK's site to apply for a visa as stated, the option is disabled and tells me I'm not eligible.
I called EK and was told I am NOT eligible this service because my ticket was issued by AS & I am on my own.
What's going on? Can anyone help?
"Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are traveling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping.
You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage a Booking tool after booking your Emirates flight."
I am flying on an award ticket from IAH to DXB with a 22-hr stopover on my way to ATH. The whole itinerary was booked with AS miles in F cabin.
Based on my nationality, I am NOT eligible for a visa on arrival even though I have a U.S. Green card.
When I try to use EK's site to apply for a visa as stated, the option is disabled and tells me I'm not eligible.
I called EK and was told I am NOT eligible this service because my ticket was issued by AS & I am on my own.
What's going on? Can anyone help?
Apr 25, 2015 | 9:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,930
According to their website
"Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are traveling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online without having to submit your passport for stamping.
You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage a Booking tool after booking your Emirates flight."
I am flying on an award ticket from IAH to DXB with a 22-hr stopover on my way to ATH. The whole itinerary was booked with AS miles in F cabin.
Based on my nationality, I am NOT eligible for a visa on arrival even though I have a U.S. Green card.
When I try to use EK's site to apply for a visa as stated, the option is disabled and tells me I'm not eligible.
I called EK and was told I am NOT eligible this service because my ticket was issued by AS & I am on my own.
What's going on? Can anyone help?
"Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are traveling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online without having to submit your passport for stamping.
You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage a Booking tool after booking your Emirates flight."
I am flying on an award ticket from IAH to DXB with a 22-hr stopover on my way to ATH. The whole itinerary was booked with AS miles in F cabin.
Based on my nationality, I am NOT eligible for a visa on arrival even though I have a U.S. Green card.
When I try to use EK's site to apply for a visa as stated, the option is disabled and tells me I'm not eligible.
I called EK and was told I am NOT eligible this service because my ticket was issued by AS & I am on my own.
What's going on? Can anyone help?
EK will only do it with tickets issued by eK which to be honest is fair enough!
What nationality are you? no one in this region will care you have a green card. You'll just have to sort it yourself like thousands of travellers do all over the world every day.
Apr 25, 2015 | 10:27 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 928
Emirates Refusing to Help with Transit Visa
I really appreciate your sarcasm, but this isn't a joke to me. I am a citizen of Mexico.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
Apr 25, 2015 | 10:40 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
I really appreciate your sarcasm, but this isn't a joke to me. I am a citizen of Mexico.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
If you want to enter the UAE during your stopover time, you will need to apply for a visa - the transfer visa will need an airline or hotel to sponsor the application (or if you have family in the UAE): unfortunately, EK will not do this for non EK-issued tickets. As your ticket for travel on EK is actually issued by AS, you will need to find another sponsor - if you have a hotel booking in the UAE, they may be able to do this for you.
Alternately, you can contact your local UAE embassy or consulate - but you will still run into the problem of arranging accommodation in the UAE for the 96 hour or 30 day period (if you go for a visitor visa) and sponsorship of the application.
Apr 25, 2015 | 10:43 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 928
Quote:
Originally Posted by coltonatx
I really appreciate your sarcasm, but this isn't a joke to me. I am a citizen of Mexico.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
If you are staying airside for the 22-hour stopover, you do not need a transit visa as a citizen of Mexico.
If you want to enter the UAE during your stopover time, you will need to apply for a visa - the transfer visa will need an airline or hotel to sponsor the application (or if you have family in the UAE): unfortunately, EK will not do this for non EK-issued tickets. As your ticket for travel on EK is actually issued by AS, you will need to find another sponsor - if you have a hotel booking in the UAE, they may be able to do this for you.
Alternately, you can contact your local UAE embassy or consulate - but you will still run into the problem of arranging accommodation in the UAE for the 96 hour or 30 day period (if you go for a visitor visa) and sponsorship of the application.
Originally Posted by coltonatx
I really appreciate your sarcasm, but this isn't a joke to me. I am a citizen of Mexico.
I found the following information:
"A 96-hour transit visa can be obtained on arrival at Dubai (DXB), provided:
- transit time is at least 8 hours; and
- holding onward ticket to a third country; and
- holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.
Visas are only issued as a part of a transit package together with hotel accommodation and airport transfer (paid by passenger)."
I haven't been to the UAE in the past, and according to the web, transit packages are typically offered by Emirates or Ethiad, but Emirates refuses to since it was booked through Alaska.
I would really appreciate any more feedback or help. Thanks.
If you are staying airside for the 22-hour stopover, you do not need a transit visa as a citizen of Mexico.
If you want to enter the UAE during your stopover time, you will need to apply for a visa - the transfer visa will need an airline or hotel to sponsor the application (or if you have family in the UAE): unfortunately, EK will not do this for non EK-issued tickets. As your ticket for travel on EK is actually issued by AS, you will need to find another sponsor - if you have a hotel booking in the UAE, they may be able to do this for you.
Alternately, you can contact your local UAE embassy or consulate - but you will still run into the problem of arranging accommodation in the UAE for the 96 hour or 30 day period (if you go for a visitor visa) and sponsorship of the application.
Are there travel agencies that may be able to help?
Thanks.
Apr 25, 2015 | 10:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
I think the fee is 250 AED.
http://www.visitdubai.com/en/travel-...ry-information
Apr 25, 2015 | 11:01 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, CX, AA, DL, UA, MAR, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,211
If you have the Grand Hyatt booked and have the other boxes checked (transiting to a third country, etc), you will likely be granted a transit visa upon arrival. There is a counter for that. Like anywhere, however, admittance into the country is ultimately up to the immigration officer but a Mexican passport should not be an issue (ie not from Iraq, Syria, Yemen...)
To make things smoother/easier, you can book an arrival service (marhabaservices.com) who you can escort you through the process.
I you'd rather have the visa pre-arranged, see what the Grand Hyatt can do in the meantime. Tons of people have their visas arranged by organizations other than Emirates or Etihad.
To make things smoother/easier, you can book an arrival service (marhabaservices.com) who you can escort you through the process.
I you'd rather have the visa pre-arranged, see what the Grand Hyatt can do in the meantime. Tons of people have their visas arranged by organizations other than Emirates or Etihad.
Apr 25, 2015 | 11:25 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 928
Emirates Refusing to Help with Transit Visa
I am transiting to a third country (Athens) under the same reservation, but happen to have to long layover in Dubai and would like to spend the night at a hotel.
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
Apr 26, 2015 | 12:40 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
I am transiting to a third country (Athens) under the same reservation, but happen to have to long layover in Dubai and would like to spend the night at a hotel.
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
I agree it is rather inefficient!
When travelling anywhere that requires visas, I like to have all the formalities arranged in advance as much as possible though, so I would still advise you to go the prearranged route (transit visa sponsored by hotel).
Apr 26, 2015 | 12:44 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, CX, AA, DL, UA, MAR, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,211
I am transiting to a third country (Athens) under the same reservation, but happen to have to long layover in Dubai and would like to spend the night at a hotel.
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
But try this: http://www.marhabaservices.com/engli...vices/citystop
Even if you don't use the service, maybe you can get some more info.
Apr 26, 2015 | 12:58 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 928
Quote:
Originally Posted by coltonatx
I am transiting to a third country (Athens) under the same reservation, but happen to have to long layover in Dubai and would like to spend the night at a hotel.
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
The "transit package" can be arranged upon arrival at DXB.
But try this: http://www.marhabaservices.com/engli...vices/citystop
Even if you don't use the service, maybe you can get some more info.
Originally Posted by coltonatx
I am transiting to a third country (Athens) under the same reservation, but happen to have to long layover in Dubai and would like to spend the night at a hotel.
According to the visa requirements, I am eligible for a 96-hr transit visa in arrival, but just as part of a 'transit package', which is what got me very confused.
If EK won't sponsor such 'transit package', my only hope is to find a hotel that does? This system is very confusing
The "transit package" can be arranged upon arrival at DXB.
But try this: http://www.marhabaservices.com/engli...vices/citystop
Even if you don't use the service, maybe you can get some more info.
I've got 60 days to figure this out.
Thanks everyone for your feedback. If anyone else has more information, I'd appreciate it?
Apr 26, 2015 | 1:05 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
Jesus! I'm a seasoned traveler, but I would never risk landing in a country without a hotel or guaranteed visa. Why risk ruining your vacation like that?
I've got 60 days to figure this out.
Thanks everyone for your feedback. If anyone else has more information, I'd appreciate it?
I've got 60 days to figure this out.
Thanks everyone for your feedback. If anyone else has more information, I'd appreciate it?
(and perhaps racking up some high scores on the Playstations/Xboxes in there!) - you aren't going to be put on plane back home if you have onward travel, just restricted to the (rather vast) airside area. Movement back from immigration to the airside area is extremely easy - but book a refundable rate at the Hyatt!
Apr 26, 2015 | 1:13 am
#13
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Refundable these days usually means that you must cancel 24 hours before arrival.
Apr 26, 2015 | 5:13 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
Apr 26, 2015 | 5:49 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,930