Do you need a return ticket when flying to Dubai?

Several travelers reported being asked for a return ticket at check-in — including departures from Armenia and Russia — and were not given a boarding pass until they purchased one. This appears to be individual staff discretion rather than official policy, but having a return ticket is advisable as a precaution.

Historically, a return ticket has never been required to enter the UAE, and most travelers flew without one without any issues. The recent cases of airlines requesting it are new and atypical.

If you bought a ticket through a third-party agent and want to verify it, you can contact the airline directly. A response may take around a week, but they will confirm whether the booking is valid.

Some airlines operating UAE routes do not have a proper live chat — only a chatbot. For specific queries, it is better to look for an official email address or contact form.