Expert: Roberto Gomes - 1/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
Planning to fly out to Singapore via Dubai with EK in the summer. Our flight arrives at midnight and our connection leaves at around 9 in the morning... Does the airline have any obligation to provide any facilities in this case or is it just if there is a delay?
Also if a connection between planes took place during the day , could you leave the airport and go into town are return for the second leg or do you have to remain airside?
thanks
Luke

ANSWER: Dear Luke,

The airline is not responsible for this connection. Only if they misconnect you. For this particular itinerary, you will need to make you own arrangements for the overnight.
Also, in order to answer you if you can leave the airport I'll need some information such as your nationality and your itinerary, to check any visa requirements.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: British nationality so if you could fill me in on that it would be great, we are just doing it to have a quick look but without having to fork out so much for a stopover,
L

Answer
Dear Luke,

Below is the entry/transit requirements regarding your itinerary:

National UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN)          
Embarkation UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN)
Transit UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (AE)          
Destination SINGAPORE (SG)      

ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (AE)


1. If holding passport endorsed British Citizen :
  visa not required if:
  - continuing within 24 hours by same or first connecting
    aircraft to a third country; and
  - holding confirmed onward ticket; and
  - holding documents for next destination; and
  - not leaving the airport transit area.

However, if passenger wishes to leave the transit area, a
visa can be obtained on arrival.A 96 hour transit visa (passenger must continue journey to a third country) at Dubai airport, at the airlines' guarantee. Passport is retained by the immigration authorities and will be returned to the passenger upon departure. The incoming or outgoing airline can sponsor the passenger. It is entirely up to the discretion of the immigration authorities to approve or reject visa application.
Fee: free of charge if hotel is pre-booked prior to
arrival. Otherwise, fee starts from USD 59.-.

2. In all other cases: visa not required provided:
  - continuing within 24 hours by same or first connecting
    aircraft to a third country; and
  - holding confirmed onward ticket; and
  - holding documents for next destination.

  Those with transit times longer than 8 hours, up to a max. of 96 hours, are permitted to leave the transit area by
applying for a 96 hour transit visa on arrival, which will
be under guarantee from the airline. Passport must be left
with Immigration until departure.

Non-compliance with transit regulations may result in a fine
of AED 500.- for the carrier.

SINGAPORE (SG)

Passport (must be valid at least 6 months on arrival) required.

Visa not required provided obtaining a Social Visit Pass
on arrival for a stay of 14 or 30 days (free of charge).
Extension of stay up to 3 months may be possible.
Fee for extension of social visit pass is SGD 40.-.

Visitor must hold:
- confirmed return or onward ticket (not applicable to airline staff travelling on reduced fare/standby tickets or to students holding a Student's Pass); and
- sufficient funds for maintenance during stay in Singapore;
and
- valid documents (including visas, if required) to onward
destinations.

Hope this helps.
If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes