Effective June 1, 2025, Mastercard and Visa are changing how UAE travellers access airport lounges. The updates include mandatory app registrations, spending requirements, and visit limits based on card type.

Mastercard: App Registration & Visit Limits

• Mandatory registration on the Mastercard Travel Pass app
• Annual lounge visit caps (May 1–Dec 31, 2025):
  • Platinum: 4 visits
  • World: 8 visits
  • World Elite: 14 visits
• To access a lounge, an international transaction of at least USD 1 must be made within the past 3 months

Visa: Digital Access & Spending Thresholds

• Registration required on the Visa Airport Companion app
• Spending requirements must be met within 35 days before a lounge visit (thresholds vary by issuer and region)
• Complimentary visit caps based on card tier and spending:
  • Platinum: Up to 6 visits
  • Signature: Up to 10 visits
  • Infinite: Unlimited visits

What UAE Travellers Should Do

1. Download the relevant app for your card
2. Complete your card registration
3. Ensure qualifying spending within the given timeframe
4. Track your visit limits based on your card tier

These changes are aimed at streamlining access and aligning lounge privileges with card usage.