Navigating Your Journey to the GCC: Understanding "OK to Board" (OTB)
Traveling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can be an exciting experience. However, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, it's crucial to be aware of all the necessary travel requirements. One of the most important, yet often misunderstood, procedures is the "OK to Board" (OTB) message.
This page is designed to provide you with a comprehensive guide to OTB, including what it is, who needs it, and how to get it from various airlines.
OTB rules are difFer by each airline & not evry airline needs OTB
"OK to Board" is a mandatory visa verification process required by many airlines for passengers traveling to certain destinations, primarily in the GCC region. It's a message inserted into your flight booking (PNR) by the airline after they have successfully verified your visa and other travel documents.
The purpose of OTB is to ensure that your travel documents are genuine and that you meet all the entry requirements of the destination country. This process helps prevent passengers with invalid or fake visas from being denied entry upon arrival, saving both the traveler and the airline from potential complications.
Essentially, an OTB message acts as an official clearance from the airline, confirming that you are authorized to board the flight.
You do not typically need an OTB if:
Important Note: The rules for OTB are subject to change without prior notice. It is always recommended to double-check the latest requirements with your specific airline and the consulate of your destination country before your travel date.
✔️ Emigration Check Required (ECR) Passport Holders: If your passport has an "Emigration Check Required" stamp, you will almost certainly need an OTB,
✔️ Passengers with E-Visas or Paper Visas: If you are traveling with a printout of an e-visa (electronic visa) or a paper visa, an OTB is typically required. The airline needs to verify the authenticity of this document with the visa issuing authority.
✔️ First-Time ECR Passport Holders: Even if you are not traveling on a work visa, a first-time ECR passport holder might be required to get an OTB.
