Visas needed Transit?
Dec 6, 2018 | 7:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,502
Visas needed Transit?
Hello: Trying to nail down some info for a trip to the Maldives for our 25th next year. we are transiting three countries that I am a bit confused about. Hoping to get some guidance.
1) We re US Citizens.
2) Qatar. 6 hour layover-not leaving the airport. I do not believe we need a Visa of any kind.
3) Sri Lanka 3 hour layover-not leaving airport Again, I do not believe we need a Visa of any kind.
4) Abu Dhabi Overnight. Likely staying at the Aerotel on secure side. MAY need transit visa, but can get on arrival.
Real question is-do I need to do anything in advance or can I take care of everything during our journey?
Thanks
1) We re US Citizens.
2) Qatar. 6 hour layover-not leaving the airport. I do not believe we need a Visa of any kind.
3) Sri Lanka 3 hour layover-not leaving airport Again, I do not believe we need a Visa of any kind.
4) Abu Dhabi Overnight. Likely staying at the Aerotel on secure side. MAY need transit visa, but can get on arrival.
Real question is-do I need to do anything in advance or can I take care of everything during our journey?
Thanks
Dec 6, 2018 | 8:11 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
As with all international travel, but especially anything involving transit, it really pays to check IATA's TIMATIC database. Several channels make it available without charge. This is a link to the UA-provided channel. If you use another channel, make certain that you are directed to TIMATIC and not so some paid visa service.
You will need to include all of the information requested in order to get accurate answers (more than you have provided in your OP).
For what it is worth, this is the information which any air carrier staff checking documents will pull up on their terminal when they check your documents. It can pay to read through to the end carefully as it is common to require a visa and then state exceptions at the very end of the entry. It also pays to recheck this information close to the time of travel as some countries change their requirements and that can upset the apple cart.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...aspx?i=TIMATIC
You will need to include all of the information requested in order to get accurate answers (more than you have provided in your OP).
For what it is worth, this is the information which any air carrier staff checking documents will pull up on their terminal when they check your documents. It can pay to read through to the end carefully as it is common to require a visa and then state exceptions at the very end of the entry. It also pays to recheck this information close to the time of travel as some countries change their requirements and that can upset the apple cart.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...aspx?i=TIMATIC
Dec 6, 2018 | 8:21 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,502
As with all international travel, but especially anything involving transit, it really pays to check IATA's TIMATIC database. Several channels make it available without charge. This is a link to the UA-provided channel. If you use another channel, make certain that you are directed to TIMATIC and not so some paid visa service.
You will need to include all of the information requested in order to get accurate answers (more than you have provided in your OP).
For what it is worth, this is the information which any air carrier staff checking documents will pull up on their terminal when they check your documents. It can pay to read through to the end carefully as it is common to require a visa and then state exceptions at the very end of the entry. It also pays to recheck this information close to the time of travel as some countries change their requirements and that can upset the apple cart.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...aspx?i=TIMATIC
You will need to include all of the information requested in order to get accurate answers (more than you have provided in your OP).
For what it is worth, this is the information which any air carrier staff checking documents will pull up on their terminal when they check your documents. It can pay to read through to the end carefully as it is common to require a visa and then state exceptions at the very end of the entry. It also pays to recheck this information close to the time of travel as some countries change their requirements and that can upset the apple cart.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...aspx?i=TIMATIC
Dec 6, 2018 | 3:31 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 18,303
Currently you require no visa to enter Qatar, and you'll be given a no-fuss visa on arrival if you choose to enter UAE. For Sri Lanka you don't require a visa if you remain airside i.e. don't enter the country.
However getting a 48-hour transit E-visa for Sri Lanka might be reassuring, just in case the connection goes wrong and you need to get to a hotel: it's free and avoids the faff that can be entailed getting the same (free) transit visa at the airport. Online Visa Application
However getting a 48-hour transit E-visa for Sri Lanka might be reassuring, just in case the connection goes wrong and you need to get to a hotel: it's free and avoids the faff that can be entailed getting the same (free) transit visa at the airport. Online Visa Application