Delayed in Transit: Visa and Airport Rules

If a delay or missed connection leaves you stuck in a transit airport, your options depend on the airport, your passport and your ticket. Speak to the airline’s transfer desk first; they can often arrange care and help with the next flight.

Airside or landside

• Airside (transit): if you stay in the international area, you may not need a visa for a long wait, but you may be restricted to the transit area.
• Landside (entering the country): leaving the transit area means passing immigration, which may need a visa.

If you need to leave the airport

Many airlines arrange hotels for long delays caused by them, and may help with transit or visa arrangements. Ask the transfer desk about options before leaving, since your passport and nationality decide what is possible.

Documents

Keep your passport, boarding passes and onward ticket handy. Ask the airline to confirm in writing that the delay is theirs.

Tips

• Check transit visa requirements for your route before travelling.
• Keep some local currency or a card.
• Prefer a single ticket for connections; see what to do if you miss a connecting flight.

If you are in Pakistan

Rules on entry, visas and airport access change. Check with the airline and with official sources.

General information only.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.