How to Travel to Dubai from India in 2026 Budget Visa, Immigration, Flight Booking & Complete Guide

If there is one thing that is more important than anything else during an international trip, it is your passport.

So, in this guide, I am going to take you through the complete process of traveling internationally for the first time—from packing your bags and reaching the airport to check-in, security, immigration, boarding your flight, arriving in the UAE, collecting your luggage and finally traveling from Sharjah Airport to Dubai.

If you have never taken an international flight before, don’t worry. I will explain everything step by step, including what a UAE visa is, what happens during immigration, what documents you need, what you can and cannot carry, and how you can stay connected after landing in the UAE.

My Journey to the UAE Begins

Hello everyone! My name is Akshat and you are watching Haps Life.

Today is going to be a lot of fun because we are going to Dubai. In this video, I want to show you what the international travel process actually looks like.

I am currently in Pune. From here, I will take a cab to Mumbai, and from Mumbai I will take my flight to Sharjah in the UAE.

The UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates. It is a country made up of seven emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah.

I booked a flight to Sharjah because the ticket was cheaper for my trip. After reaching Sharjah, I will travel onward to Dubai.

So, let’s start the journey. First, we are heading to Mumbai Airport.

What I Packed for My International Trip

Before leaving, I thought I would quickly show you what I packed.

I have my clothes and shoes on one side, some slippers and food items on the other side, and my laptop and other essentials in my cabin bag.

I am basically carrying two bags:

• One checked-in luggage bag
• One cabin bag

Of course, what you can carry and the permitted weight depend on your airline and fare. If you are flying with Air Arabia, check its official baggage rules before leaving home. Air Arabia currently lists a cabin baggage allowance of 7 kg plus a personal item of up to 3 kg, subject to its size requirements.

Check Air Arabia baggage rules

Arriving at Mumbai Airport

Hello guys! We have finally reached Mumbai Airport.

The first thing I recommend keeping ready at an international airport is your:

• Passport
• Flight ticket or booking details
• Visa or travel authorization, if required

Keep these documents easily accessible because you may need them at different stages of your journey.

Don’t Exchange Too Much Currency at the Airport

One thing I noticed at the airport was the currency exchange rate. Airport currency exchange counters can sometimes offer less competitive rates than other options, so don’t automatically exchange all your money at the airport.

If you need cash, compare the exchange rate and fees before making a large transaction.

Does Digi Yatra Work for International Flights?

At the airport, we joined the normal queue for our international journey.

For international travel, don’t assume that every domestic airport facility will work in exactly the same way. Always follow the instructions displayed at your departure airport and airline.

At the entrance, our passport and travel details were checked before we entered the terminal.

Your Passport Is the Most Important Travel Document

Let me repeat this because it is extremely important: take care of your passport.

During an international trip, your passport is one of your most important documents. Keep it secure throughout the journey and don’t put it inside your checked baggage.

Also check your passport validity before traveling. The UAE government currently states that passports should generally be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Finding Your Airline Check-In Counter

My flight is with Air Arabia, so I first checked the airport screens to find the correct counter and gate information.

These airport screens are very important. Keep checking them because your check-in counter, gate and boarding information can change.

In my case, the destination displayed was Sharjah, and I followed the instructions for the Air Arabia check-in area.

Don’t Arrive Too Early for Check-In

We actually reached the airport quite early. Our flight was scheduled for around 5 PM, while it was still around noon.

So our airline’s check-in had not started yet.

If you arrive early, don’t worry. Just keep checking the airport screens and wait for your airline’s check-in counter to open.

Self-Service Check-In and Baggage Drop

There was also a self-service check-in and baggage-drop facility available.

If your airline and airport support it, you can use your boarding pass or booking information at the self-service machine, weigh your checked baggage, print the baggage tag and drop your bag according to the instructions.

This can be useful when the regular check-in counters are busy.

What Can You Take on an International Flight?

Now comes one of the most important parts: what you should not carry in your baggage.

Don’t simply assume that an item is allowed because you have carried it on domestic trips before. International aviation security rules can be strict, and restrictions can apply differently to cabin and checked baggage.

For example, Air Arabia’s current rules restrict sharp objects, flammable materials and liquids over 100 ml in cabin baggage. Power banks and spare batteries must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage, subject to the airline’s battery requirements.

Air Arabia also lists various prohibited dangerous goods, including explosives, firearms, certain flammable materials, corrosive substances and other hazardous items.

Important: Always check the latest prohibited-item list for your airline and departure airport before packing.

Check Air Arabia prohibited items

Keep Your Passport, Visa and Ticket Ready

Before reaching the check-in counter, keep your important documents ready.

At check-in, I showed my passport, visa and ticket, and my checked baggage was weighed.

After completing check-in, I received my boarding pass.

Keep Your Boarding Pass Safe

This is another document you need to keep with you.

Your boarding pass may be required at several points inside the airport, including security and when boarding the aircraft. So don’t put it somewhere difficult to access.

Security Check at the Airport

The next step was security screening.

At security, you will need to follow the airport’s instructions and place your belongings through the screening process.

Some items are not permitted in the cabin, so make sure you have checked your baggage before reaching security.

After the security check was completed, we collected our belongings and moved to the next major step: immigration.

What Happens During Immigration?

Now comes immigration.

Immigration is basically where officials verify your travel documents and may ask you some questions about your journey.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked questions such as:

• Why are you traveling?
• Where are you going?
• Where will you stay?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• When are you returning?

In my case, the immigration process was quite smooth. One person was asked about the return date, while I was asked about the purpose of my trip.

The important thing is to answer honestly and clearly and keep your supporting travel documents available.

Duty-Free Area and Airport Shopping

After immigration, we entered the duty-free section.

This is where you can find a huge range of international brands, restaurants, cafes and shops.

There were also plenty of food options, so if you are hungry before your flight, you can grab something to eat while waiting for boarding.

How to Stay Connected in the UAE

One thing you should think about before traveling internationally is mobile connectivity.

If you are using an Indian SIM and want to keep your number active in the UAE, check your operator’s latest international roaming plans before departure.

Do not simply recharge any international plan without checking the countries covered by it.

For example, a plan designed for Thailand, Japan or South Korea may not cover the UAE. Look specifically for a plan that includes the UAE or the relevant Gulf region.

Also remember that international roaming plans, prices and data allowances can change, so check the operator’s official website before purchasing.

Should You Buy an International SIM or eSIM?

Another option is to use a UAE SIM or eSIM after arrival.

If your phone supports eSIM, you may be able to use your home SIM for your regular number and an eSIM for mobile data, depending on your device and carrier.

Before buying anything, compare:

• Data allowance
• Validity period
• Calling allowance
• 5G availability
• Coverage
• Total price

Airport SIM offers can be convenient, but they are not always the cheapest option. Compare the available options before purchasing.

What Exactly Is a UAE Visa?

I also wanted to explain something that many first-time travelers don’t fully understand: what is a visa?

A visa or entry permit is essentially authorization that allows a foreign national to enter a country under specific conditions.

For the UAE, the exact visa or entry requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. Some nationalities can receive a visa on arrival, while others must obtain a visa before traveling.

The UAE government explains that tourist visas can be arranged through eligible UAE-based airlines, hotels or licensed travel agents, depending on the applicable requirements.

Check UAE visa requirements on the official government website

Where Can You Apply for a UAE Visa?

Depending on the type of visa and your circumstances, UAE entry permits can be processed through official channels such as ICP and GDRFA Dubai, as well as through authorized service providers.

The UAE government’s official portal currently lists ICP, the UAEICP app, GDRFA Dubai and authorized typing/service centres among the relevant channels.

See official UAE visa application channels

What Is Immigration?

Immigration is different from getting a visa.

A visa or entry permit gives you authorization to travel to the country under its applicable rules. Immigration is the border-control process where officials check your documents and determine whether you meet the conditions for entry.

So don’t worry too much if you have never experienced immigration before. Just keep your documents ready, listen carefully to the officer and answer the questions truthfully.

Time for Boarding

Our boarding time finally arrived.

So what exactly does boarding mean?

Simply put, boarding is the process of getting onto the aircraft.

When boarding starts, passengers usually line up according to the instructions on their boarding pass or from the airline staff. Your boarding pass and travel documents may be checked before you enter the aircraft.

Flying to Sharjah

After completing all the airport formalities, we finally boarded our Air Arabia flight to Sharjah.

If this is your first international flight, don’t worry about feeling confused. Just follow the airport signs, check the information screens and ask airport staff if you cannot find your gate.

We Have Arrived in the UAE!

And finally, we have arrived in Sharjah!

We have officially landed in the United Arab Emirates.

Now comes the UAE arrival process.

UAE Immigration After Landing

If you are entering the UAE for the first time, don’t assume that you will automatically be able to use every automated immigration facility.

The facilities available to you can depend on your eligibility, passport and airport procedures. Follow the instructions provided at the airport when you arrive.

At Sharjah Airport, we proceeded through the immigration process before collecting our luggage.

Collecting Your Baggage at Sharjah Airport

After immigration, we headed to baggage claim.

The airport screens show the relevant baggage belt, so check your flight number and follow the information displayed.

Our bags started arriving on the assigned belt, and after collecting everything, we were ready to leave the airport.

What About Free SIM Cards at UAE Airports?

There is an important difference between airports, so don’t assume that the same SIM offer will be available everywhere.

Dubai Airports currently states that du offers free tourist SIM cards at immigration counters at Dubai International, with a welcome data allowance.

However, that does not mean the same offer will automatically be available at Sharjah Airport. Always check the specific airport and current telecom offers when you arrive.

From Sharjah Airport to Dubai

Outside the airport, our driver was waiting for us.

We were staying in Dubai, so we had to travel from Sharjah to Dubai.

The distance and travel time can vary considerably depending on your exact destination and traffic conditions, so don’t rely on a fixed journey time.

And honestly, the journey itself was fun. We started seeing some amazing cars on the road, and that’s one of the things I was really excited about when coming to Dubai.

Finally Reaching Our Hotel

After the drive, we finally reached our hotel.

I will show you the hotel properly in the next video, along with the places we are planning to visit in Dubai.

We are also planning to visit Burj Khalifa and go shopping, so there is going to be plenty more content coming.

Final Tips for Your First International Flight

If you are taking your first international flight to Dubai or the UAE, here are the main things I would recommend keeping in mind:

1. Keep your passport safe. Do not put it inside your checked luggage.
2. Check your visa requirements before traveling. Requirements depend on nationality and visa type.
3. Keep your passport, visa and ticket accessible during your airport journey.
4. Check your airline’s baggage rules before packing.
5. Don’t carry prohibited items in your cabin or checked baggage.
6. Keep checking the airport screens for your check-in counter and gate.
7. Answer immigration questions honestly and clearly.
8. Check your international roaming plan before departure if you want to continue using your home SIM.
9. Compare SIM and eSIM options before buying one at the airport.
10. Keep your boarding pass with you until you have completed your journey.

Useful Official Links

• UAE Visa Requirements – Official UAE Government Portal
• UAE Tourist Visa Information
• Where to Apply for UAE Visa
• UAE ICP Official Website
• Air Arabia Baggage Information
• Air Arabia Prohibited Items
• Dubai Airports Official Website

Conclusion

So that’s the complete journey—from leaving home, reaching the airport, checking in, passing security and immigration, boarding an international flight, arriving in Sharjah and finally traveling to Dubai.

If you have never taken an international flight before, the process may look complicated at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes much easier.

Just remember three things: keep your passport safe, keep your travel documents ready, and always check the latest rules before you travel.