Landing in Dubai for the first time can feel like a lot: long walks, busy halls and several checks before you reach the exit. Knowing the order of things helps. This guide walks through a typical arrival at Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC), using the official guidance from Dubai Airports, and explains how to make the pickup part simple. For terminal-specific details, see our Dubai airport terminals guide.
Step 1: From the aircraft to passport control
After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for arrivals and passport control. At DXB this can involve a long walk or, in some concourses, a short train ride. Have your passport, and any visa documents you need, ready before you reach the queue. If you are transferring to another flight rather than entering Dubai, follow the connections signs instead.
Step 2: Passport control and Smart Gates
Dubai Airports explains on its passport control and visas page that eligible visitors with biometric passports can use Smart Gates. First-time users register at a passport control touchpoint and can then pass through the gates using face recognition on later visits. Other travellers queue at the immigration counters.
Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival. For example, UK passport holders are listed as eligible on the Dubai Airports DWC visa page, and Emirates describes this as a 30-day visit visa. Visa rules differ by nationality and can change, so check the official guidance for your passport before you travel.
Step 3: Baggage reclaim
After immigration, check the screens for the carousel assigned to your flight, as described on the Dubai Airports baggage reclaim page. Trolleys are available in the hall. If a bag is missing or damaged, report it at the baggage services desk before you leave the hall; once you exit, it is much harder to go back.
Step 4: Customs and the exit
With your bags collected, pass through customs. Most visitors walk through the green channel; if you are carrying items that must be declared, use the red channel. You then come out into the arrivals hall, where people waiting to meet passengers stand, and where taxi ranks and car pick-up areas are signposted.
Step 5: Meeting your driver
This is where a little planning pays off. If you have booked a private transfer, you should already know the agreed meeting point and how to contact the driver. Turn your phone on as soon as you land, and send a message once you have your bags so the driver knows you are on your way out.
- Before you fly, save the meeting instructions offline in case you have no mobile data on arrival.
- Share your flight number when booking, so the pickup can be planned around the actual landing time.
- Tell us how many bags you have, including pushchairs and sports equipment, so the vehicle fits.
- If you would like to be met inside the arrivals hall, ask for meet and greet.
If you prefer a taxi, follow the signs to the official taxi rank. Airport taxis start at a higher fare than street taxis; our airport taxi or private transfer comparison explains the difference.
How long does arrival take?
It depends on the time of day, the number of flights landing together and whether your bags are early or late off the aircraft. Rather than rely on a fixed estimate, we plan the pickup around your actual flight and agree how waiting is handled in your quote. Our arrival checklist lists everything worth sending before you travel.
Arriving with children or a group
Families and groups take longer at each step: more passports, more bags, more people to keep together. Agree one person who will message the driver, and keep the youngest children close in the busy arrivals hall. Our family airport transfers page explains child seats and luggage planning.
What to have ready before you land
- Your passport, with at least the validity required for your nationality.
- Any visa or entry document you need. Check the official guidance for your nationality before you travel.
- Your hotel name and full address, written down, in case you are asked.
- Your driver’s or hotel’s contact details, saved offline.
- A pen, if you are travelling with documents that may need completing.
Keep these in a hand-luggage pocket that is easy to reach, rather than in a suitcase. You will need them at passport control and possibly again when meeting your driver.
Arriving at Al Maktoum International (DWC)
If your flight lands at DWC instead of DXB, the steps are the same: passport control, baggage reclaim, customs and the arrivals hall. DWC is smaller, so walking distances are usually shorter. The main difference is location: DWC is in Dubai South, far from the older city centre, so the drive to your hotel can be longer or shorter depending on where you are staying. Our Al Maktoum airport guide and DWC transfer page explain more.
Connecting flights versus entering Dubai
If you are connecting to another flight, you usually stay airside and follow the connection signs, without passing through immigration. If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport, you need to enter the UAE through passport control, which depends on your visa eligibility. Our hotels near Dubai Airport guide explains the airside hotel option for travellers who stay in transit.
Quick summary of the arrival process
- Leave the aircraft and follow signs for arrivals.
- Passport control: Smart Gates if eligible, otherwise the counters.
- Baggage reclaim: check the screens for your carousel.
- Customs: green channel unless you have items to declare.
- Arrivals hall: meet your driver at the agreed point, or head to the taxi rank.
Each step is straightforward on its own. The main thing is to keep documents, phone and meeting details ready, so nothing slows you down at the end of a long journey.
Book your arrival transfer
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your flight number, airport, arrival time, destination, passengers and bags. We reply with availability and a quote. See our Dubai airport transfer page for more.
Related guide: Visa on arrival rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Smart Gates at Dubai Airport?
Eligible visitors with biometric passports can use Smart Gates. First-time users register at a passport control touchpoint, according to Dubai Airports.
Do UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
UK passport holders are listed as eligible for a visa on arrival, which Emirates describes as a 30-day visit visa. Check current rules before you travel.
Where do I collect my luggage at Dubai Airport?
After passport control, check the screens for the carousel assigned to your flight.
Where will my driver meet me?
At the meeting point agreed for your booking. With meet and greet, the driver waits in the arrivals hall.
What if my flight is delayed?
Include your flight number when booking so the pickup can be planned around the actual arrival. How waiting is handled is set out in your quote.
Is the arrival process the same at DWC?
Yes, the steps are the same: passport control, baggage, customs and the arrivals hall. DWC is smaller, so walking distances are usually shorter.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 17 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
