Let's Get You
Back Home.
A Step-by-Step Guide: Dubai to Montreal
For Canadian Citizens Stranded in the UAE
Prepared March 4, 2026
30,000+
travelers have successfully left the UAE via this route
This guide is based on actual testimony from Canadian citizens and verified news sources. Every step has been taken by real people in the last 72 hours.
This guide is based on actual testimonies from Canadian citizens and other travelers who have successfully left the UAE in the last 72 hours via the Oman land border.
Devin Ramoutar — Canadian, stranded in Dubai with family
Contacted Global Affairs immediately. Received land-border guidance to Oman within 48 hours. Currently planning the move.
Simon Marcotte — 33, Quebec City
Received information from the Canadian government on how to leave via land border crossings to Oman. Finds that helpful and is planning the route with his fiancée.
Italian tourist — stranded in Dubai
Took an organized bus across the UAE-Oman border. Reached Rome via Oman flights. Video documented the entire journey.
UAE resident — 28-hour journey
Made a 28-hour journey by road and air to return home as Iranian strikes disrupted all air travel. Crossed through Oman successfully.
30,000+ travelers have left the UAE this way since March 1.
The UAE government is actively facilitating departures. Oman's airspace is open. This route works.
Source: The National
Your Journey at a Glance
Total estimated time: 36–48 hours from leaving your Dubai hotel to landing in Montreal.
Each step has clear instructions, a checklist, and advice from people who've done it.
Book your flights BEFORE attempting the border.
Oman immigration requires a confirmed onward flight from Muscat. No ticket = potential entry denial.
Leg 1 — Muscat → Istanbul (March 6, 2026)
All 4 available flights are nonstop Turkish Airlines:
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|
| 4:15 PM | 7:55 PM | 4h 40m | CA$1,422 | BEST OPTION |
| 8:10 AM | 12:50 PM | 5h 40m | CA$2,493 | Long Istanbul wait |
| 2:20 AM | 6:55 AM | 5h 35m | CA$4,116 | Red-eye |
| 10:40 AM | 2:10 PM | 4h 30m | CA$4,116 | Delayed 3 hrs |
Search & book: Google Flights — MCT to IST, March 6
Leg 2 — Istanbul → Montreal (March 7, 2026 — Saturday)
| Flight | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Type |
|---|
| Turkish Airlines TK35 | 3:25 PM Istanbul | 5:50 PM Montreal | 10h 25m | Nonstop direct |
Book at: turkishairlines.com | Google Flights | KAYAK | Expedia
March 7 is a Saturday — TK35 flies Tue/Thu/Sat. This is confirmed.
Book Your Ground Transport
Contact one of these licensed cross-border transfer services via WhatsApp now:
These services include: door-to-door pickup, licensed cross-border vehicle with insurance, border permits and NOC, English-speaking driver, 24/7 availability.
Expected cost: AED 1,500–2,100 (~CA$550–770)
Tell the driver: "I need to reach Muscat International Airport (MCT). My flight is [date/time]."
Book a Hotel in Muscat (if arriving night before)
| Hotel | Location | Price from | Best for |
|---|
| Aerotel Muscat | Inside the terminal (Level 5) | ~$111 | Walk to gate, rent by hour |
| Carnelian Airport Hotel | 5 min from airport | ~$48 | Budget option |
| Novotel Muscat Airport | Near airport | ~$82 | Reliable chain |
Step 0 Checklist
Turkish Airlines flight Muscat → Istanbul booked and confirmation saved (print + phone)
Turkish Airlines flight Istanbul → Montreal booked and confirmation saved
Cross-border transfer booked via WhatsApp — pickup time and location confirmed
Hotel in Muscat booked (if arriving night before flight)
Canadian Consulate number saved: +971 (4) 404-8444
Ottawa Emergency 24/7 saved: +1-613-996-8885
Shared your live WhatsApp location with family back home
What to Pack
- Canadian passport (check: valid 6+ months from today)
- All flight confirmations — printed AND on your phone
- Hotel booking confirmation for Muscat (if applicable)
- Cash: OMR (Omani Rial) if possible, or USD — ATMs at border and Muscat
- Phone + charger + portable battery
- Water and snacks for the drive
- Travel health insurance documentation (required by Oman)
- Credit card (proof of sufficient funds)
The Route
Dubai (your hotel)
↓ ~1.5–2 hours via E44 (Hatta Road)
Hatta / Al Wajajah Border Crossing
↓ ~3–4 hours (border processing, currently congested)
Oman Side
↓ ~3–3.5 hours drive
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Total drive time: 4.5–5.5 hours (plus border wait)
Tips From People Who've Done It
- Go early morning (before 7 AM) or late night (after 9 PM) for shortest border waits
- The road is safe, well-lit, and well-maintained
- Your driver handles the route — you just need documents ready
- Stay in contact with family via WhatsApp — share live location
- The border is open 24/7
How to deal: Staying calm on the road
This is a long drive but it's a well-traveled route. Thousands have done it this week. Your driver knows the road. Keep your phone charged, have your documents accessible, and rest when you can. You'll need your energy for the flights ahead.
Step 1 Checklist
Driver has arrived at your hotel
Passport in hand (not in checked luggage)
Phone charged, portable battery packed
Flight confirmations accessible (print + phone)
Water and snacks for the drive
WhatsApp live location shared with family
Cash or card ready for incidentals
What Happens at the Border
Stop 1 — UAE Exit (Hatta side)
- Your passport is scanned
- You receive a UAE exit stamp
- This is quick — no issues reported for tourists/visitors
- No UAE exit fee for tourists
Stop 2 — Oman Entry (Al Wajajah side)
- Short drive or shuttle through no-man's-land
- Present your Canadian passport at Oman immigration
- As of January 1, 2026: Canadians get 14-day visa-free entry
- No e-visa needed. No visa on arrival needed. Just your passport.
Source: Oman government — confirmed by VisaHQ
What they will check at Oman immigration:
- Valid Canadian passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed onward flight booking — show your Turkish Airlines confirmation
- Hotel reservation in Muscat (if staying overnight)
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds (credit card is fine)
Current Wait Times
Due to the crisis, border waits are 3–4 hours as of March 4, 2026. Early morning or late night is best.
Your driver will wait with you or on the other side (confirm with your transfer company).
Border guide: lnkoman.com — Hatta Border Guide
How to deal: The border wait
This is the hardest part — it's long, crowded, and stressful. But it's working. 30,000+ people have crossed successfully. Bring water, keep your documents in one folder or ziplock bag, stay patient. Every hour at this border is an hour closer to Montreal.
Step 2 Checklist
Arrived at Oman immigration
Passport presented (6+ months valid — confirmed)
Onward flight confirmation shown
Hotel booking shown (if applicable)
Health insurance documentation ready
Oman entry stamp received — you're in Oman!
Back in the car, heading to Muscat
You've made it to Oman. The hardest part — the border — is behind you. Muscat International Airport is open and operational.
If You Arrive the Night Before
- Head to your hotel (the Aerotel is inside the terminal — no taxi needed)
- Get some sleep
- Set multiple alarms
If You Arrive the Same Day
- Head straight to the terminal
- Check in at the Turkish Airlines counter (~3 hours before departure)
- Go through security, find your gate
At the Airport
Currency exchange, food, shops, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations are all available.
Your Flight: Muscat → Istanbul
| Detail | Info |
|---|
| Airline | Turkish Airlines |
| Route | MCT → IST |
| Date | March 6, 2026 |
| Departure | 4:15 PM |
| Arrival | 7:55 PM (Istanbul time) |
| Duration | 4 hours 40 minutes |
| Type | Nonstop |
How to deal: You're halfway home
Take a breath. You're in a functioning airport with normal services. Call your family, let them know you're safe and on your way. Eat a real meal. Charge your phone. You fly in a few hours.
Step 3 Checklist
Arrived at Muscat Airport
Checked into hotel OR heading to terminal
Checked in for Turkish Airlines flight
Called family — confirmed you're at the airport and safe
Boarded flight to Istanbul
You land at 7:55 PM Istanbul time on March 6. Your Montreal flight departs March 7 at 3:25 PM. That's a ~19.5 hour layover.
Where to Sleep
| Option | Location | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Turkish Airlines free hotel | Off-site | FREE | Layover 12+ hrs = free hotel + transfer + meal |
| YOTELAIR | Airside (no exit) | ~$50 | Need boarding pass. 10:30 PM – 6 AM |
| YOTEL | Landside | Hourly (4hr min) | No boarding pass needed |
| Istanbul Airport Hotel | In terminal | Varies | Book ahead |
Turkish Airlines Free Hotel — Ask First!
Your layover is 19.5 hours. Turkish Airlines provides
complimentary hotel accommodation + airport transfer + meal for Economy passengers with layovers exceeding 12 hours.
Ask at the
Turkish Airlines Transfer Desk immediately after landing.
turkishairlines.com/flights/hotel-service
Your Flight: Istanbul → Montreal
| Detail | Info |
|---|
| Airline | Turkish Airlines TK35 |
| Route | IST → YUL |
| Date | March 7, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Departure | 3:25 PM Istanbul time |
| Arrival | 5:50 PM Montreal time |
| Duration | 10 hours 25 minutes |
| Type | Nonstop direct |
Schedule: FlightsFrom.com | FlightAware TK35
How to deal: Almost there
You're in Istanbul. You're safe. You're connected to a direct flight home. If Turkish Airlines gives you a free hotel, take it — get a shower, a hot meal, and proper sleep. Tomorrow you fly direct to Montreal. No more borders, no more uncertainty.
Step 4 Checklist
Asked at Turkish Airlines Transfer Desk about free hotel
Found sleeping arrangements (hotel or airside)
Set alarm for March 7 check-in
Called family: "I'm in Istanbul, flying home tomorrow"
Checked in for IST → YUL flight
Boarded flight to Montreal
You made it.
You are home. You are safe. You are in Montreal.
What to Expect at Canadian Customs
- Deplane and follow signs to Canadian customs / CBSA
- Use the automated kiosk — scan your Canadian passport, answer declaration questions
- Take your kiosk receipt to the CBSA officer
- As a Canadian citizen, you have the right to enter Canada — this is not discretionary
- Collect your luggage
- Walk through "Nothing to Declare" (unless you have goods to declare)
- Exit into the arrivals hall
Customs info: CBSA at Montreal-Trudeau | ADM Guide
Getting Home from YUL
- Taxi / Uber / Lyft — available curbside
- REM train — connects airport to downtown Montreal
- STM bus 747 — 24-hour express to downtown (~$11)
- Have someone pick you up — arrivals level, doors 6–8
Final Checklist
Passed through Canadian customs
Called family: "I'm home."
Emergency Contacts
| Contact | Number / Email |
|---|
| Canadian Consulate Dubai | +971 (4) 404-8444 |
| Canadian Embassy Abu Dhabi | +971 (2) 694-0300 |
| Ottawa Emergency 24/7 | +1-613-996-8885 |
| Emergency Email | sos@international.gc.ca |
| Dubai Consular Email | dubaiconsular@international.gc.ca |
| Abu Dhabi Email | abdbi@international.gc.ca |
Transport Contacts
| Service | WhatsApp / Contact |
|---|
| LNK Oman (cross-border) | +968 7228 0555 |
| Lifeway Tours (cross-border) | +971 52 248 8766 |
| SalamAir (shuttle bus) | salamair.com |
| Musafir.com (bus tickets) | 600 544 405 / help@musafir.com |
| Turkish Airlines | turkishairlines.com |
Key Resources
ROUTE
Dubai → drive → Hatta Border → drive → Muscat → fly → Istanbul → fly → Montreal
FLIGHTS
MCT→IST Mar 6 4:15PM→7:55PM | IST→YUL Mar 7 3:25PM→5:50PM (TK35)
BORDER
Canadian passport + onward ticket + health insurance = 14-day visa-free
DRIVERS
LNK Oman +968 7228 0555 | Lifeway +971 52 248 8766
HELP
Consulate +971 (4) 404-8444 | Ottawa 24/7 +1-613-996-8885
Guide prepared March 4, 2026. Verify all details before travel — the situation changes hourly.
Sources: Global Affairs Canada, CBC, The National UAE, Gulf News, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, and direct traveler testimony.