▾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