Final Checks

Final Checklist Before You Fly to the UAE

The last things to check before you fly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the first steps after you land. The entry permit is the paper that lets you enter the UAE to study. Money is in UAE dirham (AED).

Pre-Departure Checklist

Example: Documents

Complete

Example: Packing

In Progress

Example: Money

Pending

Example: After Landing

Pending

Pro Tips:

Keep your passport, your entry permit printed in colour and your offer letter in your hand luggage.

Final Pre-Departure Preparation

Your university has your papers and applies for your entry permit. After you land you get your student residence visa (the visa that lets you live in the UAE while you study) and Emirates ID (the UAE identity card for people who live there).

Why This Checklist Is Essential

A missing paper can delay your visa.
Late visa steps can bring fines that you must pay.

When To Complete This Checklist

2 months before: Send your university the visa request form (the form that asks it to start your visa). At AUS, send it at least two months before you arrive.
When the entry permit arrives: Book your flight and print the permit.
Within 60 days of the date the permit was issued: Enter the UAE.

One tab at a time

Go through each tab and tick things off.

Wait for the permit

Do not book flights until your entry permit arrives.

Ask early

If something is missing, ask your university's visa team at once.

Pakistan Citizens

Khalifa University needs citizens of Pakistan to send a copy of their national ID card with the visa papers. Keep a copy with you.

Comprehensive Checklist

Documents Checklist

Visa and identity

Passport

At least 6 months valid. BITS Pilani Dubai needs 7 months.

Entry permit

Keep it with your passport.

Passport-style photos

White background. Keep the digital file too.

Study papers

Attested certificates

Stamped in India (Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), then the UAE Embassy in New Delhi) or in Pakistan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the UAE Embassy in Islamabad). See our documents page.

Offer letter

Your university's admission letter.