If visiting Dubai, a city known for its opulence and skyscraper-filled skyline, is on your bucket list, you must fully understand the OK to Board for Dubai Visa process. You must have checked the visa application procedure in its entirety, from obtaining all required documentation to choosing your visa provider. However, your quest is not yet over. You will require an OK to board if you are going to the UAE, more especially to Dubai.

What is OK to Board?

To put it simply, the OK to board procedure involves checking your visa. You will be prevented to board your aircraft until you obtain the OK to board approval, even if your Dubai visa is valid. It is a process that airlines use to make sure that travelers have complied with all entry criteria for their destination. If you do not receive this clearance, your vacation will cease despite all of your planning and preparation. You must thus remember that this procedure is required.

Travelers should speak with their airline or travel agency to learn about the precise processes and documents required assuring compliance with Ok to Board requirement. To minimize any last-minute issues or delays, it is advised to finish Ok to Board procedure well before the departure date.

Why do we Need OK to Board?

When travelling by plane to another nation, there are a few requirements that must be handled. Of late, it has been noted that many travelers having Dubai visas, particularly those from South Asian nations, have been found to be in possession of false visas. This issue grew steadily worse and eventually spread to many other nations. As a result the OK to board UAE visa was introduced. In order to weed out those with false visas, the Dubai immigration security thus made it a point in having all the documentation and the visa inspected before a person boarded the aircraft.

Ok to Board’s significance stems from its function as an extra layer of security & compliance. It makes sure that travelers have obtained the required visas for admission into Dubai. It helps prevent people with fake or invalid visas from entering Dubai by checking travel papers prior to departure, hence lowering the possibility of immigration infractions and potential security issues.

UAE government has implemented strict guidelines for further visa verification due to a rise in fraudulent visa issues. The ok to board allows for additional background checks on the traveler, eliminating fake identities through rigorous verification processes. By ensuring authenticity, double checking serves to reduce the likelihood of unlawful trade, terrorism, and other crimes.

How it Works?

The original visa and plane ticket are often delivered to the local airline office following the first visa application, where the approval to board is provided against the passenger’s PNR after a second verification of the applicant’s information. It is typically supplied before three days after the flight date and updated on the data profile of the passenger. Calling the airline office directly will provide customers access to their status information.

Which countries require OK to Board?

However, only nationals of a select few countries are needed to get authorization before boarding. You cannot board an aircraft to Dubai should you be a national of any of the following nations without the OTB’s consent,

• Bangladesh
• India
• Sri Lanka
• Pakistan

The inhabitants of these nations are required to choose OTB. Even if you are a citizen of these nations, there are several circumstances in which the Ok to Board is not necessary.

Passport holders going to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, without needing an OTB

Visa for Residents

Permit for residents

Visa on arrival (Check Dubai Visa on Arrival Eligibility Criteria)

Passengers travelling without having to undergo immigration check (ECNR)

How to get OK to Board?

Obtaining OK to board visa indeed is not as difficult as it may seem. Make sure you finish this procedure, though, at least 48 hours (2 days) before your travel.

There are two methods to do this task, online and offline.

(a) Online 

1. Make a copy of the visa once the processing of your application is complete. Send this to the airline that you used to make your reservations.
2. The airline firm will review all the pertinent information and examine your paperwork.
3. Following the completion of the checking, your application will be accepted, and the ticket will get marked with OTB, which means that you are free to board.

(b) Offline 

Your verification for this procedure will happen at the airport. If you pick this option, you are not required to submit an online application.

You may present all of the necessary paperwork for verification at the airport, and after everything is finished, you are free to board.

Documents required for OK to Board

A kind of verification is required when you move forward with the “OK to board” process, either at the airport or online. The following papers are required for your verification:

1. Visa- Ensure that your visa is valid and appropriate for the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.).
2. A confirmed roundtrip ticket on an airline. In some cases, the airline may request proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure that you will not overstay your visa.
3. A copy of the first and last pages of your passport
4. Copy of the Pan card

Which airlines require OK to Board?

As previously stated, you must have an OK to Board visa in order to fly to Dubai; however, certain carriers do not demand this. The list of airlines that demand the OTB is provided below to assist you sort through the confusion:

• Air India
• Air Arabia
• Emirates
• Air India Express
• Gulf Air
• Fly Dubai
• Jet Airways
• Indigo Airlines
• Spice Jet
• Oman Air

Is there any charge to update the OK To Board message?

While various airlines charge differently for OK to board, all airlines have the same documentation requirements. These are the various airlines that have OTB fees; the costs may vary based on the time of year you go.

Indigo- 650 INR

Spice Jet- 650 INR

Air Arabia- 650 INR

Vistara- 650 INR

Go Air- 650 INR

Fly Dubai- 650 INR

Oman Air- 650 INR

Sri Lankan- 250 INR

Air India- 500 INR

Gulf Air- 250 INR

How to Check OK to Board status?

Calling the airlines that you are travelling with is the best approach to check the status of the OK to Board because it is granted by the airlines. On the phone, they would provide the same notice. At least 2 days (48) hours before to your departure, a travel agent would contact you whether you had submitted an Ok to Board application.

If your PNR does not match your OTB status, the airline may refuse or cancel your travel, in which case you will not be permitted to board the aircraft. Additionally, you can also be required to pay the relevant government an extra responsibility or cancellation fee, if applicable.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth OK to Board Process for your Dubai Visa

• Verify Visa Criteria: Be sure you are informed of the particular visa needs for your nationality before applying for a Dubai visa. For precise information, go to the GDRFA Dubai website or get in touch with the UAE embassy or consulate in your country.
• Applying for a Valid Visa: It involves following the correct procedure and submitting all required paperwork for the Dubai visa. Before starting OK to Board procedure, make sure you have a current visa.
• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that the information you supply while applying for a Dubai visa is accurate & corresponds to the information on your travel papers (passport, ticket, etc.). Any differences might cause problems with OK to Board procedure.
• Schedule your flight: Schedule your flight to Dubai as soon as you obtain your Dubai visa. A confirmed reservation is required in order to move on with OK to Board procedure.
• Speak with your airline: Contact the local office or customer service of your airline to find out more about the rules and practices for their particular OK to Board program. It is crucial to ensure you are aware of the specifics in advance because various airlines could have different procedures.

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and practices of the airline you are travelling with because the OK to Board process is exclusive to Dubai & certain types of visas.

Bottom Line 

You will always have some of the finest memories on your trip to Dubai. You must be well informed about the OK to Board Dubai Visa if you intend to travel to the country of luxury, progress, and cultural essence. Of course, a visa is required to enter any nation. You complete the full visa application procedure, choose a provider and get the necessary paperwork, but your voyage is not yet complete. In addition to a current Dubai visa, you must have an OK to board.

Hope by now you are indeed aware of the value of OTB and will take steps to obtain one before starting your UAE vacation. Although this procedure is straightforward, it is also quite important. So, along with your visa, include this in your packing list for the UAE and travel safely!