The "Ok to Board" (OTB) requirement for Dubai is a verification process that some airlines may enforce for passengers traveling to Dubai on a tourist visa. It is important to understand that OTB is not a Dubai immigration requirement but rather an airline-specific policy. The purpose of OTB is to ensure that passengers have valid visas and documents before boarding their flight to Dubai, as it helps prevent passengers with fraudulent or invalid visas from traveling.
Here's how it generally works:
- Visa Approval: You first need to obtain a valid tourist visa for Dubai through the official channels, usually from the Dubai Immigration authorities or through your tour operator, if applicable.
- Flight Booking: Once you have your tourist visa, you can book your flight to Dubai.
- Ok to Board Verification: Contact your airline (or your travel agent) and inquire about their OTB policy. Some airlines require OTB verification, while others do not. If your airline requires OTB, they will ask you to provide certain documents for verification.
- Submission of Documents: Typically, you'll need to send a copy of your visa, your flight ticket, and your passport to the airline. The airline will then verify your documents with the Dubai Immigration authorities.
- Confirmation: Once your documents are verified and your visa is confirmed as valid, the airline will mark your booking as "Ok to Board," allowing you to board your flight.
It's essential to check with your specific airline regarding their OTB requirements and procedures because different airlines may have different policies. Failure to comply with OTB requirements, if applicable, can result in you being denied boarding on your flight to Dubai.
Remember that visa requirements and airline policies can change, so it's always a good idea to check with your airline and the official Dubai Immigration website for the most up-to-date information on OTB and other travel requirements for Dubai tourists.