All travellers flying to the UAE from the Asian subcontinent, especially India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, must have their airline tickets updated with an OTB status. This is mostly required for travellers who do not have the original pink color visa. A person will very certainly be denied boarding if they do not have an OTB.
What actually is an Ok to Board?
The OTB, or OK to Board, refers to a method used to check the validity of a passenger’s visa. The primary goal of this method is to guarantee that passengers only fly with proper travel documents. Specifically, such a check will prevent persons from flying to the UAE on forged visas and being removed from the country.
What is the difference between an airline requirement and an immigration requirement in the UAE?
It is a requirement imposed by the airlines, not by UAE immigration. It applies to all travelers coming to any of the UAE’s emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah (on a new work visa or a tourist visa). Even if you have a valid UAE visa, your access to board the plane may be rejected by your airline if you do not have an Ok to Board status.
Understand the OTB Update Procedures
An OTB is mostly applicable to travelers whose visas are sponsored and granted in the UAE. Once your UAE visa has been accepted, your sponsor should submit a copy of your approved visa, along with a copy of your airline ticket or PNR Number, to your airline service provider, who will double check the visa and attach your airline ticket with the OTB message.
Processing of OTB
Airlines typically need at least two days to authenticate papers and update the OTB. As a result, make sure that all necessary documents are sent to your airline at least three days before your departure date. The airlines electronically insert the OTB notice after the verification. To learn about your OTB status, contact your airline directly.
How can I know about my status on Ok to Board?
Because the OK to Board is granted by the airlines, calling the airlines you are travelling with is the best approach to verify its status. They would call and notify the same. If you applied for Ok to Board through a travel agent, you will be notified by phone or mail at least 48 hours before your departure.
Can I board if my PNR does not reflect OK to board?
If your PNR does not show Ok to Board, you will most likely be refused access into the aircraft. The airline has the authority to do so.
Which airlines require OK to Board?
Ok to Board is required by any airline flying to the UAE. While some provide it for free, others demand a fee. Airlines such as Emirates, Jet Airways, Saudia, Etihad Airways, and Fly Dubai provide free Ok to Board services. However, to obtain the Ok to Board status on airlines such as SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo, you must pay a small fee.
Which airlines require OK to Board?
Only Dubai Visa specialists provide dependable services for updating travellers’ OTB status. You only need to provide us copies of your e-visa, passport, and return plane tickets. We’ll work with the airline to include an OTB message on your passenger PNR and notify you at least 48 hours before your flight. This procedure will be performed for a minimal price, if applicable.
Please keep in mind that all of the above-mentioned visa services are subject to certain limits and conditions.
Please review all terms and conditions before applying for them, or contact us immediately at +971 4 447 3839