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So, you’ve found yourself with an international layover — an opportunity to explore a new destination, even if just for a few hours, that you can’t pass up. The idea of stepping out of the airport and seeing the sights of a foreign city can be incredibly enticing. However, before you grab your carry-on and dash out the door, there are a few things to consider.
Let's dive into how you can determine if you can and should leave the airport and make the most of your layover experience.
1/ check visa and health requirements
Before you start dreaming up your layover adventure, you’ll need to check the visa requirements of the country you're transiting through. Some countries offer visa-free transit or visa-on-arrival facilities for passengers with certain nationalities, while others require travelers to get a transit visa in advance. Additionally, some countries may have health restrictions in place. While most countries no longer have COVID-19-related restrictions, some countries may require other vaccinations like yellow fever, malaria, etc. Make sure to research the visa policies and health requirements of the transit country and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements before venturing outside the airport.
tip: there are some online tools available to make checking document requirements super easy. Sherpa travel is my go-to for figuring out what documents and health requirements are needed in each country.
2/ duration of layover
The duration of your layover plays a big role in deciding whether you can leave the airport. If you have a long layover of several hours, you may have enough time to explore the nearby attractions or city center and return to the airport before your next flight. Regardless of how long or short your layover is, it's essential to factor in the time it takes to clear immigration, travel to and from the city, and go through security and check-in procedures when you return to the airport.
tip: my general rule of thumb is that my layover needs to be 6 hours or more for me to consider leaving the airport. The photo above is of a quick 6 hour layover stop in Doha, Qatar on the way to Arusha, Tanzania.
3/ transit restrictions
Some airports and countries have specific transit restrictions that may affect your ability to leave the airport during a layover. For example, certain airports may have limited hours of operation for international transit passengers or may require travelers to remain within designated transit areas. Additionally, there may be security protocols or regulations in place that restrict transit passengers from leaving the airport. It's essential to familiarize yourself with any transit restrictions imposed by the airport or transit country to avoid any unforeseen issues with exiting and re-entering the airport.
tip: check out the website of the airport you are transiting through for their requirements. Additionally, the airline you are flying may have transit information on their website.
4/ safety and security considerations
Prioritizing safety and security is key when deciding whether or not to leave the airport. Research the safety situation in the transit city, including any travel advisories or warnings issued by relevant authorities. Choose reputable transportation options and avoid wandering into unfamiliar or potentially unsafe areas, especially if you're traveling alone or during odd hours.
tip: check your home country's website for applicable travel restrictions and advisories. If you're US citizen, you can check out the Department of State's website.
conclusion
Whether you jet off on a layover adventure or cozy up in the airport lounge all comes down to a few things — visa requirements, health requirements, layover duration, transit restrictions, and safety considerations. Once you have a clear understanding of these factors, you'll be able to decide whether you can make the most of your layover by exploring a new city, or if you're better off enjoying the amenities in the airport.