Pakistan to Dubai travel checklist

Dubai is one of the most popular trips from Pakistan, for family visits, holidays and stopovers. The flight is short, but a little planning makes the trip much smoother.

This checklist covers documents, visas, flights, mobile data, insurance and what to expect when you land. It is general guidance. Rules change, so always check the official sources linked below before you travel.

1. Check your passport first

Before anything else, look at your passport’s expiry date.

Validity: The UAE government says passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
Condition: Make sure the passport is not damaged and has free pages.
Names: The name on your visa and your air ticket must match your passport exactly. Small spelling differences can cause problems at check-in.

If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you apply for a visa. A visa is usually linked to your passport number.

2. Understand your visa route (in general terms)

The UAE government explains that some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, while others must apply in advance.

Pakistan is not on the UAE’s visa-on-arrival list, so in general, Pakistani passport holders arrange a UAE visa before they travel, unless they hold a document that gives them a different route. Confirm your own case on the official UAE portal or with ICP or GDRFA Dubai.

Common routes for visitors include:

Through a UAE-based airline. The official UAE portal says tourists can get a visa through UAE-based airlines when they book travel with them.
Through a licensed travel agent or hotel. Licensed agents and hotels in the UAE can also arrange tourist visas, usually when you book with them.
Through a relative or friend who lives in the UAE. UAE residents may be able to sponsor a visit visa for family members, subject to conditions set by the authorities.
Directly with the authorities. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and, for Dubai, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) handle visa applications.
Multiple-entry tourist visa. The UAE also offers a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for eligible travellers. The official page lists requirements such as a minimum bank balance, health insurance and proof of onward travel.

Official sources:

Avoid visa scams

The UAE government warns that a tourist or visit visa does not give you the right to work in the UAE. Working on one can lead to fines and legal trouble. If someone offers you a “job visa” that is really a visit visa, walk away. The official portal also explains how to check that a permit is genuine through GDRFA (for Dubai) or ICP. See u.ae: Tips to avoid labour and visa fraud.

No one can guarantee a visa. Be careful with anyone who promises one.

3. Documents to carry

Keep these together in your hand luggage, with copies on your phone:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
UAE visa or entry permit (printed and digital)
Return or onward air ticket
Hotel booking, or the address and phone number of the person you are staying with
Travel insurance details, if you have a policy
Proof of funds if asked (for example a bank card and a recent bank statement)
Prescriptions for any medicines you carry (see below)

Immigration officers in Pakistan and the UAE may ask about the purpose of your trip. Answer clearly and honestly, and keep your documents ready.

4. Booking flights

There are direct flights to Dubai from several major Pakistani cities, usually a few hours long.

Compare total cost, not just the fare. Check what baggage is included. Adding a bag later can cost more.
Watch for busy seasons. Fares often rise around Eid and school holidays. Book early if your dates are fixed.
Check the airport. Most flights land at Dubai International (DXB), but some use Dubai World Central (DWC) or nearby Sharjah (SHJ). Plan your onward travel for the right one.
Arrive early. Allow extra time for check-in and immigration in Pakistan, especially at peak times.

5. Medicines and what not to pack

The UAE has strict rules on medicines. UK government travel advice says you must get approval in advance from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring medication, and that controlled medicines (narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled) have stricter rules. Some common painkillers and sleep or anxiety medicines can fall into these groups.

The same advice also limits how much you can bring: generally up to 3 months’ supply, and less for medicines that are controlled.

Apply for approval well before your trip. Check the current process on the UK travel advice page and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention website.
Carry medicines in their original packaging, with a prescription or doctor’s letter.
Only carry the amount you need for your stay, within the limits above.

The same advice says it is illegal to bring pork products or pornography into the UAE. If you are unsure about an item, leave it at home.

As general guidance, also check the current rules on carrying cash and foreign currency, both for leaving Pakistan and for entering the UAE.

6. Mobile data: roaming, eSIM or local SIM

You will want maps, messages and ride apps from the moment you land. You have three main choices:

Roaming with your Pakistani SIM. Easy, but check the bundle price first. Without a bundle, data can be very expensive.
A travel eSIM. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
A local UAE SIM. Often good value for longer stays. You will usually need your passport to register it.

Keep your Pakistani number active if you need SMS codes from your bank. Some internet voice and video calling features may not work in the UAE, so check before you rely on them.

Read our guide: eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM.

7. Travel insurance

Healthcare in the UAE can be expensive for visitors. Travel insurance with good medical cover can protect you if you fall ill, have an accident or lose your bags. Some UAE visa types, such as the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, list health insurance as a requirement.

When comparing policies, check the medical limit, cover for pre-existing conditions, the excess, and that the dates match your trip.

8. Arrival tips

Immigration: Have your passport and visa ready, and follow the signs for visitors.
Getting around: Dubai has the Metro, buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps. Check how your terminal connects to the city.
Money: The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Weather: Summers are very hot. Drink water and plan outdoor visits for mornings and evenings.
Local customs: Dress modestly in public places, be respectful during Ramadan, and do not photograph people without permission.

Quick checklist

Passport valid for 6+ months from entry
UAE visa arranged through an official or licensed route
Flight booked, names match passport, baggage checked
Hotel booking or host’s address and phone number
Medicines checked against UAE rules, prescriptions packed
Mobile data plan ready (roaming bundle, eSIM or local SIM)
Travel insurance details saved
Copies of all documents on your phone

Sources

Official pages we checked in October 2026:

UAE Government portal, Visa and Emirates ID
UAE Government portal, Do you need an entry permit or a visa to enter the UAE?
UAE Government portal, Tourist visa
UAE Government portal, Tips to avoid labour and visa fraud
UK Government (FCDO), UAE travel advice: entry requirements (written for British travellers; the medicines and customs sections are a useful general reference)

Travelling from Pakistan to Dubai: a practical checklist