OK to Board (OKTB): Guide Travelers to UAE and Middle East

What is “OK to Board”?

OK to Board (OKTB), also known as “Okay to Board” or OTB, is a critical visa verification process required by airlines before passengers can board flights to certain Middle Eastern countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

This verification procedure serves as an additional security measure where airlines validate your visa documentation and travel documents before departure. Once verified, an “OK to Board” message is added to your flight’s Passenger Name Record (PNR), confirming that you meet all requirements to travel to your destination.

The OKTB system was implemented primarily to combat the rising incidents of fraudulent visas and to ensure that passengers possess legitimate, valid documentation before boarding. This process protects both travelers from deportation and airlines from hefty penalties and repatriation costs.

Why is OK to Board Necessary?

Airlines operating flights to Gulf countries face significant financial penalties if they transport passengers with invalid or fraudulent documents. When a passenger is denied entry at immigration, the airline must bear the costs of deportation and may face additional fines.

The OK to Board verification helps airlines ensure that:

• Your visa is authentic and valid
• All travel documents are in order
• You meet the destination country’s entry requirements
• Your passport has sufficient validity (typically 6 months minimum)

Important: Even if you hold a valid visa for UAE or other Middle Eastern countries, you cannot board your flight without the OKTB message updated in your PNR.

Who Needs OK to Board?

Countries Requiring OKTB

Travelers to the following destinations typically require OK to Board:

• United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)
• Oman
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Saudi Arabia (limited cases)
• Iraq (Baghdad, Najaf, Basra – special requirements apply)

Passenger Categories Requiring OKTB

1. ECR Passport Holders

• ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders traveling on any type of visa
• Most commonly required for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan citizens

2. ECNR Passport Holders (Specific Cases)

• ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport holders traveling on employment/work visas
• Those traveling with paper-based visas (not stamped in passport)

3. Paper Visa Holders

• Tourists or visitors with e-visas or paper-based visas
• Work entry permits and residence entry permits printed on paper
• Visit visas and tourist visas not stamped in the passport

Who Does NOT Need OKTB?

You’re typically exempt from OK to Board requirements if you have:

• Original visa stamped directly in your passport by an embassy
• Valid resident permits or residence visas stamped in passport
• Eligibility for visa-on-arrival facility
• Valid US or Schengen visa (eligible for on-arrival visa to UAE)
• Traveling on Emirates or Etihad Airways (these airlines handle verification differently)

How to Get OK to Board: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Obtain Your Visa

First, ensure you have a valid visa for your destination country. Wait until your visa is approved before applying for OKTB.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect the following documents:

• Passport copy (front and back pages, with minimum 6 months validity)
• Visa copy (e-visa or paper visa)
• Flight tickets (confirmed booking with PNR number)
• Return tickets (mandatory for tourist/visit visas)
• Sponsor details (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit to Your Airline

You have several options to submit OKTB documents:

Option 1: Through Airline Office

• Visit the nearest airline office in person
• Present original documents for verification
• Pay applicable OKTB fees (if any)

Option 2: Online Application

• Visit your airline’s official website
• Navigate to the OK to Board section
• Upload required documents
• Pay fees and submit

Option 3: Through Travel Agency

• If you booked through a travel agency, they can handle OKTB
• Share your documents with the agency
• They will coordinate with the airline on your behalf

Option 4: Through Sponsor For UAE visas, your sponsor can:

• Submit your visa copy to the airline office
• Provide your flight details and PNR
• Complete the OKTB process on your behalf

Step 4: Wait for Verification

• Most airlines take 24 to 48 hours to verify and update OKTB
• Some airlines process faster (12-24 hours)
• For Iraq destinations, allow minimum 72 hours

Step 5: Confirmation

Once approved, the “OK to Board” message is electronically inserted into your flight PNR. You’ll receive confirmation via:

• Email notification
• SMS/WhatsApp message
• Call from airline or travel agency

How to Check Your OK to Board Status

Method 1: Contact Your Airline

The most reliable way to check OKTB status:

• Call the airline’s customer service number
• Provide your PNR number and passport details
• They will confirm if OKTB is updated

Method 2: Check Online (Airline Website)

1. Visit your airline’s official website
2. Go to “Manage Booking” or “Check-in” section
3. Enter your PNR number and last name
4. Review booking details for OKTB confirmation
5. Look for “OK to Board” or “OKTB” notation in your reservation

Method 3: Through Travel Agency

If you applied through an agency:

• Contact them via phone, email, or WhatsApp
• They will check and confirm your status
• Usually updated within 48 hours before departure

Method 4: At Check-in

Your boarding pass will only be issued if OKTB is confirmed in your PNR. During web check-in or airport check-in, the system automatically verifies OKTB status.

How to Check OK to Board Status for Specific Airlines

Air Arabia OK to Board Status

Important: Air Arabia does NOT offer online OKTB application or status checking.

Who Needs OKTB:

• Passengers traveling from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh to UAE
• Holding a copy of UAE visa or e-visa (not original stamped visa)
• Passengers transiting via Sharjah with e-visa or paper visa

Who Does NOT Need OKTB:

• Passengers carrying original visa document stamped in passport

How to Apply: The sponsor or passenger’s representative must visit the nearest Air Arabia office in person with the original visa document. Air Arabia staff will verify the document and add the “OK to Board” message to the reservation.

Check Status:

• Call Air Arabia customer service with your PNR number
• Visit Air Arabia office in person
• Check your booking confirmation email after processing
• Verify with your travel agent if they submitted on your behalf

Timeline: Minimum 24 hours before flight departure

Fee: AED 15 per passenger

Find Office: Visit Air Arabia office locations

Flydubai OK to Board Status

Email: fzoktb@flydubai.com Processing Time: Minimum 48 hours Special Requirements:

• Mandatory for passengers from Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan, Quetta, Sialkot (Pakistan)
• Iraq destinations require 72 hours processing

Method: Fly dubai Official site

1. Contact Flydubai travel shops in UAE or India
2. Submit visa copy and travel documents
3. Pay applicable charges
4. Receive confirmation within 48 hours

Air India OK to Board Status

Processing Time: Minimum 72 hours before departure Who Needs: Indian passport holders with ECR status traveling on tourist/visit/work visas

Check Status:

1. Visit Air India website
2. Go to web check-in page
3. Enter PNR and passenger name
4. Check booking details for OKTB message

Application: Submit documents at least 3 days before travel

Etihad Airways OK to Board

Important: Etihad Airways does NOT require advance OK to Board approval.

Process:

• Present all required documents at airport check-in
• Immigration check done at counter
• No pre-approval or OKTB message needed
• Verification completed during check-in process

Documents Required at Check-in:

• Valid passport
• Original visa or e-visa printout
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Return tickets (for tourist visas)
• Sponsor details (if applicable)

Check Status: Since Etihad doesn’t have an official OKTB requirement:

• Simply ensure all documents are valid and ready
• Arrive at airport with sufficient time for check-in
• Present documents at Etihad check-in counter

Note on “Verified to Fly”: Etihad previously had a “Verified to Fly” service for COVID-19 document verification (2021-2022). This is different from traditional visa OK to Board and was primarily for health documentation during the pandemic.

Third-Party OKTB Services: Some travel agencies offer OKTB update services for Etihad (fees around ₹1000-1500), but this is NOT an official Etihad requirement. Passengers can proceed directly to airport check-in with valid documents.

Who Should Consider Pre-Verification:

• ECR passport holders may benefit from advance verification
• First-time travelers to UAE seeking peace of mind
• Those traveling from specific countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

Processing Time (if using third-party service): 24-48 hours Official Etihad Requirement: No advance OKTB needed

Emirates OK to Board

Important: Emirates Airlines does NOT require separate OK to Board application.

Automatic Verification:

• Emirates conducts visa verification automatically
• No OKTB message update needed
• Present documents at airport check-in counter
• Check-in staff verifies all documentation

Exception: ECR passport holders may need verification in some cases

Qatar Airways OK to Board Status

Who Needs: Passengers with ECR passports and specific visa categories

Method:

1. Contact Qatar Airways customer service
2. Provide PNR and booking reference
3. Submit visa and passport copies
4. Verification handled by airline’s visa department

Processing Time: 24-48 hours Special Note: Business visa and seaman passengers may have specific requirements

Indigo OK to Board Status

Who Needs:

• ECR passport holders
• ECNR passport holders with employment visas
• Passengers with labor/work e-visa printouts

Check Status:

1. Login to Indigo website
2. Navigate to “Manage Booking”
3. Enter PNR and email address
4. Check reservation details for OKTB confirmation

Apply: Through Indigo website or customer support Processing: 12-24 hours Fee: INR 650-800 (depending on destination)

Timeline: How Long Does OK to Board Take?

Standard Processing Times:

Most Airlines: 24-48 hours

• Air India: 72 hours minimum
• Air India Express: 12-24 hours
• Indigo: 12-24 hours
• SpiceJet: 24-48 hours
• Air Arabia: 24-48 hours
• Flydubai: 48 hours minimum
• Oman Air: 48 hours minimum
• Gulf Air: 24-48 hours

Special Cases:

• Iraq Destinations (Baghdad, Najaf, Basra): 72 hours minimum
• Urgent OKTB: Some agencies offer 15-minute processing (additional charges apply)
• Same-day processing: Available through certain service providers (premium fees)

Recommendation: Apply at least 3 days (72 hours) before your flight to avoid last-minute complications.

OK to Board Charges and Fees

Airlines Offering Free OKTB:

• Emirates Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Saudi Airlines
• Jet Airways
• Flydubai (in most cases)

Airlines Charging OKTB Fees:

For UAE Destinations:

• Indigo: INR 650 / Rs 650
• SpiceJet: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air India: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air India Express: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air Arabia: AED 15 (approximately INR 650-700)
• Kuwait Airways: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Gulf Air: INR 650 / Rs 650

For Qatar:

• Air India: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air India Express: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Indigo: INR 800 / Rs 800

For Oman:

• Indigo: INR 650 / Rs 650
• SpiceJet: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air India: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Air India Express: INR 650 / Rs 650
• Oman Air: OMR 1.500

For Kuwait:

• Kuwait Airways: KWD 2.500

Note: Charges may vary based on:

• Destination country
• Visa type
• Passenger nationality
• Urgency of processing
• Service provider (airline vs. travel agency)

Can I Travel Without OK to Board?

Absolutely NOT. You cannot board your flight without OK to Board confirmation if your airline requires it.

Consequences of Not Having OKTB:

1. Denied Boarding: You will be refused at check-in counter
2. No Boarding Pass: Airlines cannot issue boarding pass without OKTB
3. Missed Flight: Unable to travel on scheduled date
4. Financial Loss: Non-refundable ticket costs
5. Visa Issues: May affect future visa applications

Even If You Have:

• Valid visa ✓
• Confirmed flight tickets ✓
• All travel documents ✓

WITHOUT OKTB = Cannot Board the Flight

The airline check-in system automatically verifies OKTB status before issuing boarding passes. If the system doesn’t show “OK to Board” message in your PNR, the check-in process will be blocked.

What to Do If You Arrive at Airport Without OKTB:

Immediate Action Required:

1. Contact airline counter immediately
2. Explain you need urgent OKTB processing
3. Present all original documents
4. Pay urgent processing fees (if available)
5. Some airlines offer airport OKTB update (3 hours before departure)

Prevention: Always apply for OKTB at least 48-72 hours before your flight to avoid such situations.

How to Confirm OK to Board Before Travel

1. Call Airline Customer Service

• Most reliable confirmation method
• Have your PNR ready
• Ask specifically about OKTB status
• Get confirmation via email if possible

2. Check Online Booking

• Login to airline website
• Navigate to “My Bookings” or “Manage Booking”
• Enter PNR and last name
• Look for OKTB notation in booking details

3. Attempt Web Check-in

• If web check-in proceeds successfully, OKTB is confirmed
• If system blocks check-in, OKTB may not be updated

4. Contact Your Travel Agent

• If booked through agency, contact them
• Request written confirmation
• Ask for screenshot of OKTB message in system

5. Visit Airline Office

• Physical verification at airport or city office
• Staff can check system directly
• Get written confirmation if needed

6. Check Email/SMS

• Airlines send confirmation when OKTB is updated
• Look for “Visa Verified” or “OK to Board Confirmed” messages

Is OK to Board Necessary?

When OKTB is Mandatory:

Yes, OKTB is absolutely necessary for:

1. ECR Passport Holders traveling to UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
2. Paper Visa Holders (e-visa or non-stamped visas)
3. Employment Visa Holders (even with ECNR passport)
4. Tourist/Visit Visa Holders from South Asian countries
5. Work Entry Permit Holders
6. Specific Airlines: Air Arabia, Indigo, SpiceJet, Air India, Air India Express, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Flydubai, Kuwait Airways

When OKTB is NOT Required:

You don’t need OKTB if:

1. Original Visa Stamped in Passport by embassy
2. Resident Visa Holders with stamped residence permits
3. GCC Residents traveling within GCC countries
4. Visa-on-Arrival Eligible passengers
5. Flying Emirates or Etihad (they handle verification differently)
6. ECNR Passport with tourist/visit visa (on some airlines from specific cities)
7. US/Schengen Visa Holders eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival

Why It’s Important:

Regulatory Compliance:

• Mandated by destination country immigration authorities
• Required by international aviation regulations
• Protects against visa fraud and illegal immigration

Airline Protection:

• Airlines face hefty fines for transporting passengers with invalid documents
• Deportation costs borne by airlines
• Penalties from immigration authorities

Passenger Protection:

• Prevents deportation upon arrival
• Avoids embarrassment and financial loss
• Ensures smooth travel experience
• Validates visa authenticity before departure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if I reschedule my flight after OKTB?

Answer: If you change your flight to a different date with a new PNR, you must obtain a new OK to Board approval. If the PNR remains the same and only the date changes, some airlines may accept the existing OKTB, but it’s best to confirm with your airline.

Q2: Do I need return tickets for OKTB?

Answer: Yes, return tickets are mandatory for tourist and visit visas. However, if you’re traveling on an employment/work visa, return tickets are typically not required for OKTB processing.

Q3: Can I apply for OKTB before getting my visa?

Answer: No, you must have your approved visa before applying for OK to Board. OKTB is a visa verification process, so the visa must exist first.

Q4: What if my OKTB application is rejected?

Answer: Check with your airline for the rejection reason. Common causes include:

• Incorrect or incomplete documents
• Visa validity issues
• Passport validity less than 6 months
• Missing return tickets (for tourist visas)
• Previous immigration violations

Address the issues and reapply.

Q5: Is OKTB the same as visa approval?

Answer: No, OKTB is NOT visa approval. It’s a verification process conducted by airlines to confirm your existing visa is genuine and valid. You must obtain your visa separately before applying for OKTB.

Q6: Can someone else apply for OKTB on my behalf?

Answer: Yes, your sponsor, family member, travel agent, or authorized representative can apply for OKTB on your behalf by submitting your documents to the airline.

Q7: Do infants need OKTB?

Answer: Generally, OKTB is not required for infants under 2 years of age. However, airline policies may vary, so confirm with your specific carrier.

Q8: What if I lose internet connection during online OKTB application?

Answer: Save your application reference number. You can resume or check status using this reference. Contact customer support if payment was processed but application not submitted.

Q9: Can I get OKTB at the airport?

Answer: Some airlines offer airport OKTB update services, but this is usually available only up to 3 hours before departure and may involve higher charges. It’s risky to rely on airport OKTB due to time constraints.

Q10: Is OKTB required for transit passengers?

Answer: If you’re transiting through UAE/Gulf countries without clearing immigration (staying in transit area), OKTB is typically not required. However, if you plan to exit the airport or have layovers requiring visa, check requirements.

Special Considerations

For Employment Visa Holders:

• Both ECR and ECNR passport holders need OKTB
• Return tickets usually not required
• Company/sponsor details may be needed
• May require employment contract or offer letter

For Seamen:

• Special OKTB process applies
• Shipping company handles OKTB typically
• Required documents: Seaman’s book, letter of guarantee
• May get visa on arrival in some cases

For Business Visa Holders:

• OKTB requirements vary by airline
• Business letter and company details may be needed
• Conference/meeting invitations helpful

For Medical Travelers:

• Medical forms with doctor’s signature and hospital seal required
• Clear medical details needed
• OKTB mandatory for all visa types in medical cases

Tips for Smooth OKTB Process

1. Apply Early: Submit OKTB request minimum 72 hours before departure
2. Double-Check Documents: Ensure all copies are clear and complete
3. Verify Passport Validity: Must have 6+ months validity
4. Keep Originals Ready: May need to present at airport
5. Save Confirmation: Keep email/SMS confirmations accessible
6. Follow Up: Check status 24 hours after application
7. Contact Support: Don’t hesitate to call airline if uncertain
8. Use Official Channels: Apply through airline directly or authorized agents only
9. Avoid Last Minute: Never rely on same-day OKTB processing
10. Return Tickets: Book round-trip for tourist visas before OKTB application

Conclusion

OK to Board (OKTB) is a crucial verification process for travelers to UAE and Middle Eastern countries. While it may seem like an extra step, it’s designed to protect both passengers and airlines from issues related to fraudulent documentation.

Understanding the OKTB requirements, application process, and timeline ensures you can travel smoothly without last-minute complications. Always apply for OKTB well in advance, keep all documents ready, and confirm your status before heading to the airport.

Whether you’re traveling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, or any other Gulf destination, proper OKTB preparation is essential for a stress-free journey. When in doubt, contact your airline directly or consult with your travel agent to ensure you meet all requirements.

Remember: Valid visa + Confirmed tickets + OK to Board = Smooth Travel Experience

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Disclaimer: OK to Board requirements, fees, and procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with your airline before travel. Information provided is based on general practices as of 2025.