OK TO BOARD ( OTB ) is additional verification of visa details required by some countries before you can travel. It might be done by the airline you are flying with or by the immigration services of the country you are flying to.
An OTB is a pre-condition of the airline to make sure that the Dubai visa holder is authorized to travel. All Indian passport holders require an Ok to Board while travelling most importantly to Dubai or going to any other part of the UAE. Your PNR number must reflect OK to Board from the respective airline before you can be allowed to take off for the UAE. Please note that you cannot board a flight if your PNR is not reflecting OK to Board.
Why is OTB required?
Due to an increase in fake visas, many Indian passengers were deported back to India in the past. To minimize the fake visa issues, airlines flying to mentioned destinations and the sponsors started re-checking traveler’s visas and the return airline ticket before the departure to these places.
Citizens of which countries require OK to Board (OTB)?
Citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan need OK to Board approval when they travel from their respective country of citizenship.
Before travelling to UAE (Dubai/Sharjah/Abu Dhabi), Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Oman and Qatar, Indian citizens need more than just a visa. It is the ‘OK to Board’ – an airline requirement without which the passengers won’t be permitted to board the flight to the above mentioned destinations.
Which categories of Indian Passport holders travelling to the UAE require OK To Board?
Passengers travelling on Indigo Airlines, Air India, Air India Express, Emirates and Etihad with ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport.
Passengers travelling with a print-out of Labour & Work e-visa.
Passenger travelling on Spice Jet, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, SriLankan Airlines.
Which categories of Indian Passport holders travelling to the UAE do not require OK To Board?
Travellers holding Resident Permit or passport stamped with Resident Visa.
Passengers using ‘Visa On Arrival’ facility.
Passengers travelling on Indigo Airlines, Air India, Air India Express, Emirates and Etihad with ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport.
Which categories of Indian Passport holders travelling to Qatar require OK To Board?
Passengers travelling on Indigo Airlines, Air India, Air India Express with ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport.
Passengers travelling with a print-out of Labour & Work e-visa.
All passenger travelling on Oman Air, Spice Jet Airline, SriLankan Airlines.
Which categories of Indian Passport holders travelling to Qatar do not require OK To Board?
Travellers holding Resident Permit or passport stamped with Resident Visa.
Passengers using ‘Visa On Arrival’ facility.
Passengers travelling on Indigo Airlines, Air India, Air India Express with ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport.
Passenger travelling on Qatar Airways.
What about OK To Board for Indian Passport Holders travelling to Oman?
You do not require OK to Board if you are holding an original visa (received via post or courier from Oman).
In case, you are holding a photo copy of the visa, the visa sponsor will have to deposit the original visa at the Muscat Airport and get OK To Board from the respective airline office in Muscat
Is Ok to Board mandatory?
Yes, the OTB is mandatory in some airlines. Till now all Indian passport holders visiting Dubai were supposed to update the OTB (Ok to Board) status before boarding the flight. However in a recent development, OTB for Dubai is not required now for Indians holding a ‘Non-ECR’ or ‘ECNR’ passport and intending to visit Dubai on a Tourist Visa. However we recommend you check with our Visa Experts.
What are the documents required for OK to Board?
- Scan copy of passport’s first & last page
- Visa copy
- Confirmed onward & return ticket.
What is the process for updating an OTB?
You have to submit all the required documents (passport size photograph with white background, passport front and last page scan copies and return air ticket) to your destination city of concern airlines city office counter or at airport counter.
When should I apply for OK to Board?
We request you to kindly submit all the required documents at least 72 hours prior to the departure so as to give the airlines enough time to get your PNR marked with an OK to Board.
How can I know about my status on OK to Board?
you can call directly to the airline and ask them 48 hours prior to departure.
Is there any fee applicable for processing OTB?
Airlines charge a fee for updating OTB in PNR.
What happens if I have not updated the Ok to Board message?
In a scenario where OTB status does not get reflected in your PNR, the airline may reject or cancel your travel and consequently you will not be allowed to board the flight.
Kindly note: -
OK To Board requirement may change as per the airline rules/discretion.
In case, you are travelling for employment/ hold long-term visa and an ECR passport, Indian Emigration will not allow you to travel, unless you obtain POE clearance or ECNR passport.
Want to process your Ok to Board?
Contact us to update OK TO BOARD ( OTB ) on this Number + 919935213439 or 9026471494 or email us support@shifatravels.com
Our Visa Experts will help you get your Dubai Visa and Ok to Board on time stress-free.
Note- This service is only for Indians.
