When I arrived in Dubai ten years ago, I started my career as a travel consultant. Back then, UAE tourist visas and visa runs were our main selling points. I must have assisted hundreds—if not thousands—of clients, guiding them through the visa run process. Ironically, I had never experienced it myself. Fast forward to 2025, I finally had my own experience. If you're curious about what to expect, here’s my firsthand airport-to-airport visa-run experience with Air Arabia!
💡 Visiting or living in the UAE? Read my other practical resources where I write my experiences and adventures around the country!
- UAE Travel Guide
- Traveling to the UAE? Here’s How to Choose the Best Airport in the UAE!
- Walking Tour of Old Dubai: A Resident's Guide to Souks, Museums & Heritage Sites
- RAKTRAV: The 136-km Ras Al Khaimah Traverse by FOX.AE
What is a visa run for?
A visa run is for tourists who need to exit the UAE to renew or apply for a new tourist visa without returning to their home country. It’s a common and legal practice for those who wish to extend their stay, whatever purpose it may serve.
This process is usually used by:
- Tourists whose visas are about to expire and wish to re-enter on a new UAE Tourist Visa
- Or Job seekers who need more time to find employment before transitioning to a work visa
Note: A visa run does not guarantee issuance of a new visa or permission to re-enter the UAE. Ensure you verify the current requirements with the relevant UAE authorities and the airline or agency before paying.
Visa Run Options:
As of 2025, three (3) visa run options are available for those looking to renew or reapply for a new tourist visa. Take note that this does NOT include visa extensions, which is a separate topic. The options are as follows:
- Border-to-Border
- Airport-to-Airport
- Total Exit from the UAE while waiting for a new tourist visa
A Border-to-Border is exactly what it sounds like: a quick run to the UAE-Oman border. This is possible to do independently if your nationality allows visa-free entry into Oman. Otherwise, some agencies can arrange your Oman visa in advance.
Similar to Border-to-Border, the Airport-to-Airport is a visa-run experience where you will take a short flight to any nearby country—typically within the GCC, such as Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman.
Last but not least, the Total Exit is where you will fully exit the UAE and spend a few days in another country while waiting for your new tourist visa to be issued.
Out of all the three options listed above, I personally prefer the Total Exit option. I have done it twice already, during my Russia Trip and a winter trip to Bishkek, both in 2024, where I was able to experience the four seasons of Kyrgyzstan. However, since my budget was a little tight recently, I opted for the Airport-to-Airport option, and I could say that it was an easy, straightforward, and more affordable experience.
If your budget and schedule allow, you might want to consider turning your visa run into a proper trip abroad, too. You can read about my experiences in Russia and Kyrgyzstan for a little travel inspiration.
Costs:
As of January 2025, I paid AED 2,050.00 for the Airport-to-Airport visa run experience, which includes the following:
- A round-trip ticket to Muscat via Air Arabia (no checked-in luggage or meal)
- A 60-day UAE Tourist Visa (issued in Sharjah)
Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on promotions, the latest rules, and availability. For example, I experienced paying a security deposit for a tourist visa issued in Sharjah back in December 2024. This was to ensure that I would not overstay, or else I would not get my money back.
Visa Arrangements & Contact Person(s):
Just like in my hiking guides, in this section, you will find my trusted contact person(s) who can assist you with a visa run. Rates may vary so inquire accordingly.
- Arabian Gulf Tourist and Travel & Cargo LLC c/o Jame Rose Gabua (WhatsApp - 0502824705)
- FlyWings Tourism c/o Tracy (WhatsApp - 0542174853)
Jame was my colleague during my travel agency days, and I can vouch for her to the moon and back. I also used FlyWings Tourism once, recommended to me by a friend. Both travel agencies offer reliable and quality service, so feel free to reach out to them!
👉 If you decide to contact them, mention my name so they’ll know you found them through my blog!
Visa Run & Airport-to-Airport Experience:
As overwhelming as it may sound, I am here to guide you on what to expect during your visa run experience. As advised by your travel agent, you'll receive two (2) boarding passes upon check-in at the airport, and you won't leave the aircraft during the process.
Before landing at my destination, Muscat, an announcement was made informing all visa change passengers to remain seated during the disembarkation process. So, I just enjoyed the view and to pass the time, I just daydreamed about when I'd be able to visit Oman again.
Once the other passengers had disembarked, a different crew member came aboard. He checked all the boarding passes of the visa change passengers and counted every one.
After the headcount, we were instructed to move to our new seats as indicated on our boarding passes for the return flight. Once everyone was settled, the boarding of the new passengers began. And just like that, we were back in Sharjah in no time.
We were then dropped into a waiting area specially arranged for visa change passengers. It's a large hall with lots of seats, a vending machine with snacks and drinks, and even toilets. Everyone can stay and wait in this area until the visa is issued.
I was genuinely surprised by how dedicated the airport was to providing such a facility. The airport really went above and beyond by giving us this dedicated area—whether we were staying there for a short time or not.
Thanks to this experience, my admiration for Sharjah International Airport was raised a little higher. If only it weren't so far from me, I'd rate it a bit higher (yes, I'm talking about my UAE Airports Ranking post).
Personal Thoughts:
As much as I love flying, I realized that it wasn't the flight that excites me. It's the unboxing of a new destination and experiencing a culture that's completely different from my own.
The thought of flying to Muscat (a city I haven't seen explored yet) but not getting the chance to go outside to explore it was a little frustrating. But then, I remembered the hassle of getting an Oman Visa just to hike Jebel Shams back in 2017 because of my then-low-profession title.
All things considered, the airport-to-airport experience was convenient and straightforward. While it may cost more than the border-to-border options, it worked for my situation at the time.
Thankfully, I don't foresee needing another visa run anytime soon, thanks to my employment. But if you're planning one yourself, I hope sharing my experience helps you understand what to expect and prepare for your own trip.
