Lois Larson
If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi Airport, you may need a transit visa. The UAE offers two types of transit visas: a free 48-hour visa and a 96-hour visa costing AED 50. Nationals of certain countries, including GCC countries, can enter the UAE without a visa, while nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen cannot apply for a transit visa. If your layover is under 4 hours, you do not need a transit visa as long as your flights are on one itinerary. If you are flying with Etihad or Emirates, they can arrange a transit visa for you, otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa Requirement | Required for layovers of over 4 hours. |
| Transit Visa Duration | 48 or 96 hours. |
| Transit Visa Cost | 48-hour visa: free; 96-hour visa: AED 50. |
| Transit Visa Application | Must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline. |
| Transit Without Visa | Possible if both flights are on a single ticket and the layover is under 4 hours. |
| Visa on Arrival | Available for citizens of certain countries, including the GCC countries, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, etc. |
| Green List Countries | Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, etc. |
| Ineligible for Transit Visa | Nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen. |
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What You'll Learn
Transit visas for 48 or 96 hours
If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi Airport, you may need a transit visa. This depends on several factors, including the duration of your layover, whether you need to collect your bags, and your nationality.
If your layover is less than 4 hours, you do not need a transit visa, as long as your flights are all in one itinerary. However, if you have separate tickets and need to collect your bags, you will need a transit visa, even if your layover is less than 4 hours.
The UAE offers two types of transit visas: one valid for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. The 48-hour transit visa is free of charge, while the 96-hour visa costs AED 50. Both visas must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline or travel agency, and they cannot be extended or renewed. The validity period begins from the time of entry into the UAE, and you must depart the country within the specified time frame.
To apply for a transit visa, contact the UAE-based airline or travel agency through which you are booking your trip. They will arrange the transit visa for you by applying online through the relevant channels. It is recommended to apply for the transit visa at least two weeks before your departure date.
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Transit without a visa
Whether or not you need a transit visa to pass through Abu Dhabi airport depends on several factors, including your nationality, the length of your layover, whether you need to collect luggage, and the airline you are travelling with.
If you are a citizen of one of the countries on the "green list", you can enter Abu Dhabi without a visa. These countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others. Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa, permit, or sponsorship to enter the UAE. They need only present their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry. Citizens of some other countries, including Mexico, can enter the UAE without a visa for up to 180 days, and citizens of yet other countries can enter without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen cannot apply for a UAE Transit Visa.
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you will need to obtain a transit visa. However, if your layover is less than 4 hours, you do not need a transit visa, as long as your flights are all in one itinerary. If you have separate tickets, you will need a transit visa, even if your layover is under 4 hours. If your layover is over 8 hours, you will also need a transit visa, even if you are not planning to leave the airport.
If you are travelling with Etihad or Emirates, you can arrange a transit visa in advance through the airline. If you are travelling with another airline, you may still be able to obtain a transit visa, but you will need to check with your airline.
Applying for a transit visa
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. Transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. You can apply for a transit visa through a UAE-based airline or, if you are travelling through a travel agency, the agency can help you get the visa. However, all visas are routed through the airline. The validity of the visa is 48 or 96 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within that time. A departure fee of AED 30 is levied on each passenger passing through the UAE's airports.
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Visa eligibility and exemptions
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. Transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE, you will need a transit visa. Nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen cannot apply for a UAE Transit Visa. However, citizens of certain Green List countries can enter the UAE without a visa, including those from Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, and several others.
If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi Airport for less than 4 hours and your flights are all in one itinerary, you do not need a transit visa. If your layover is longer than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, some sources suggest that you may still be able to transit without a visa as long as you remain in the airport. However, this may depend on your nationality and airline, as some low-cost airlines may require you to clear immigration and check in again, which is not possible without a visa.
To obtain a transit visa, you must apply through a UAE-based airline or a travel agency, which will then arrange the visa with the relevant authorities. The visa is free for 48 hours and valid for 14 days from the issuance date. A 96-hour transit visa is available for a fee of AED 50 and is also valid for 14 days. It is important to note that once a 48-hour visa is issued, it cannot be extended to 96 hours.
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Applying for a transit visa
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. Transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE, you will need a transit visa. Only the UAE-based airline you are travelling through can arrange your transit visa prior to your journey. If your trip is through a travel agency, they can also help you get the visa, but all visas are routed through the airline.
You can apply for a transit visa through the airline's website. The 48-hour transit visa is issued free of charge, whereas the 96-hour transit visa is issued against a fee of AED 50. The transit visa is valid for 14 days from the date it is issued, and you must use it within this period. However, once you have entered the UAE, you can only stay for 48 or 96 hours, depending on the type of transit visa you receive. It is important to note that the transit visa cannot be extended or renewed, and you must leave the UAE within the specified time frame.
If you are a citizen of a GCC country, you can travel to the UAE without a visa. Additionally, passport holders from certain countries can enter the UAE without a visa or with a visa on arrival. These countries include Mexico, which offers visa-free entry for up to 180 days, and several countries that offer visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Indian nationals with a valid passport, a visit visa or green card issued by the USA, or a UK or EU residence can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a certain fee.
It is important to note that nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen cannot apply for a Transit Visa for the UAE. Additionally, if your layover is less than 4 hours, you do not need a transit visa, as long as your flights are all in one itinerary.
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Transit permits
If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi Airport, you may need to obtain a transit permit or visa. The requirements for a transit visa depend on your nationality, the length of your layover, and whether you need to leave the airport or pass through immigration.
Citizens of countries on the "Green List", such as the United States, Germany, and China, do not require a visa, permit, or sponsorship by a national or resident in the UAE. They need to present their passport or national ID card upon entry.
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE, you will need a transit visa. This can be obtained through a UAE-based airline or travel agency. The airline or agency will then apply for your transit visa through the relevant authorities in the UAE. The UAE offers two types of transit visas: a free 48-hour visa and a 96-hour visa for a fee of AED 50. These visas must be processed and approved before entering the UAE and are valid for 14 days from the issuance date.
If your layover is less than 4 hours and your flights are all on one itinerary, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you have separate tickets or need to pass through immigration, you will likely need a transit visa. It is recommended to apply for the visa in advance, as it may not be possible to arrange one at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a transit visa if your layover is under 4 hours and your flights are all in one itinerary.
Yes, you will need a transit visa. You can apply for a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa through a UAE-based airline.
The 48-hour transit visa is free, while the 96-hour transit visa costs AED 50.
You can apply for a transit visa up to two weeks before your departure date.
If you are a citizen of a country on the Green List, such as the United States, Germany, or Australia, you do not need a visa to enter the UAE, including for transit purposes.
