▾Before you leave the airport
Check your verdict first
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival means walk straight out. An e-visa or ETA must be arranged online before you fly, you can’t get it at the gate.
Mind the buffer
Be back ~2.5 hours before your next flight to re-check in and clear security; allow ~1h to clear immigration on arrival.
Single ticket vs separate
On one ticket bags usually transfer automatically. On separate tickets you may have to collect and re-check, that eats your window.
Store your bags
Most hubs have left-luggage from ~$10/bag/day so you’re not dragging a suitcase round the city.
Make the most of it
Pick ONE thing
On a short window, choose a single close-in sight rather than racing across the city and missing your flight.
Pre-book skip-the-line
For headline sights (Burj Khalifa, the Colosseum) book timed tickets so a queue doesn’t blow your schedule.
Keep boarding-pass + passport on you
You’ll re-enter through international departures; have everything ready and watch the local time.
Too tight? Use the terminal
Big hubs have showers, sleep pods, lounges and gardens, sometimes the smart move is to stay and rest.
FAQ · Layover