Your Holiday Travel Checklist: 12 Things to Sort Before You Fly from Dubai

The holiday season is the busiest time at UAE airports, and a small oversight — an expiring passport, an overweight bag — can turn an exciting morning into a stressful one. Run through this checklist a week before you fly.

Documents

1. Passport validity. Many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates. Check every family member's passport, including children's.
2. Visas and entry requirements. Confirm what your destination requires for your nationality, and carry printed approvals where needed.
3. UAE residence visa. Make sure it remains valid for your return.
4. Travel insurance. Check that it covers medical emergencies, cancellations and your full trip dates.

Bookings

1. Check in online as soon as it opens, and choose your seats early if you're travelling as a family.
2. Confirm your baggage allowance for every flight in your itinerary — allowances can differ between airlines and fare types.
3. Reconfirm hotels and transfers, especially if you're arriving late at night.

At the airport

1. Arrive early. In peak season, allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration — at least three hours before international flights is a sensible rule of thumb.
2. Know your terminal. Check which terminal your airline uses before you set off.
3. Pack power banks correctly. Spare batteries and power banks generally must go in hand luggage, not checked bags — and many airlines have tightened rules on using them on board. Check your airline's current policy.

Money and connectivity

1. Tell your bank you're travelling and carry a mix of card and some local currency.
2. Sort mobile data — a roaming package or a local or eSIM plan saves stress when you land.

The quick packing list

• Passport, visa approvals and printed bookings
• Medication in original packaging, with prescriptions
• Chargers, adapters and power banks (in your carry-on)
• Weather-appropriate layers — winter destinations can be very cold
• A change of clothes in your hand luggage, just in case

A calm trip starts with a checklist. Everything after that is the fun part.

Need a hand?

Our consultants can double-check your documents, arrange airport transfers and answer any last-minute questions. Message us on WhatsApp or visit us at Reef Mall, Deira — we're open seven days a week.