Lois Larson
If you are planning to transit in Dubai and are not a passport holder from a country that is exempt from UAE visas, you will need to apply for a transit visa. The UAE offers two types of transit visas: a 48-hour visa, which is free of charge, and a 96-hour visa, which costs AED 50. These visas must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline or at the Emirates Commercial Visa APT office at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. Some nationalities, such as Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for at least six months, are eligible for a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for a fee. It is important to note that if you are staying inside the airport during your layover, you may not need a transit visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa types | 48 hours, 96 hours, 14 days |
| Transit Visa cost | 48-hour visa is free, 96-hour visa costs AED 50 |
| Transit Visa validity | 48 hours or 96 hours from entry into the UAE |
| Visa extension | Cannot be extended or renewed |
| Visa application | Apply through a UAE-based airline in advance or online at the Emirates Commercial Visa APT office at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 |
| Visa-free entry | Citizens of certain countries can enter the UAE without a visa or with a visa on arrival |
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What You'll Learn
Citizens of certain countries can enter Dubai without a visa
If you are in transit in Dubai and are not a national of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE, you will need to apply for a transit visa. This includes either a 48-hour or 96-hour visa, which must be processed and approved before entering the UAE.
Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa to enter Dubai. They will automatically be issued a free 30-day visa upon arrival in the UAE.
Nationals of other countries, including those from the list below, do not require pre-arranged visas and will be issued a free 30-day visit visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Brunei
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
Citizens of the above countries are also entitled to apply for a pre-arranged visit visa if their 30-day visa on arrival has been fully utilized.
Additionally, Mexican nationals are eligible for a multiple-entry 180-day visit visa that is valid for six months from the date of issue and allows a total stay of 180 days.
From January 7, 2024, eligible Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for at least six months can obtain a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for a fee of USD 63.
It is important to note that visa requirements can change without prior notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to Dubai or the UAE to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
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Transit visas must be processed before entering the UAE
If you are not eligible for a UAE Visa on Arrival, you will need to apply for a transit visa before entering the UAE. This means that if you are not from a country whose citizens can enter the UAE without a visa, you will need to apply for a transit visa in advance.
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. These visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the country. The 48-hour visa is issued free of charge, while the 96-hour visa has a fee of AED 50. Both visas are non-extendable and non-renewable, and you must leave the UAE within the specified time from your arrival.
To apply for a transit visa, you must contact your UAE-based airline, which will arrange your transit visa from the relevant visa-issuing authorities. If you are travelling through a travel agency, they can also assist in the process, but only the airlines can arrange the transit visa. The airline will then apply for your transit visa online through the eChannel portal of the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the websites of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate.
It is important to note that if you are only transiting through Dubai Airport and not leaving the airport premises, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you are planning to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to apply for a transit visa in advance. Nationals of certain countries, such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen, are not eligible for a Transit Visa to the UAE.
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Transit visas are valid for 48 or 96 hours
Yes, you can get a transit visa at Dubai Airport. The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one that is valid for 48 hours and another that is valid for 96 hours. These visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. This means that you need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. The 48-hour visa is issued free of charge, while the 96-hour visa is issued against a fee of AED 50. Both visas are single-entry and are not extendable or renewable. The validity of the visa starts from the moment of entry into the UAE, and you must leave the country within the specified time period.
It is important to note that transit visas are only required if you plan to leave the airport during your layover. If you are simply transiting through the airport, you do not need a transit visa, as long as you are eligible for visa-free entry to the UAE. Additionally, certain nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival, which does not require prior application.
The process for obtaining a transit visa can vary depending on the airline you apply with. Major airlines like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia have streamlined the process, which can sometimes result in faster processing times. The typical duration for obtaining a transit visa is 2 to 4 working days, but this can vary during peak seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances.
When applying for a transit visa, you will need to provide certain documentation, such as your passport and flight details. It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for the required minimum period, which may vary depending on your nationality. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements or restrictions for obtaining a transit visa, so it is essential to check the regulations for your country of origin.
In summary, transit visas for 48 or 96 hours can provide a great opportunity to explore Dubai or other parts of the UAE during a layover. By planning ahead and ensuring you meet the requirements, you can make the most of your time in this exciting destination.
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Indian nationals can obtain a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival
Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date can obtain a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival. This visa is available to Indian nationals with a valid visa issued by the USA, UK, or an EU member state. A fee of USD 63 applies for this visa.
To obtain this visa, eligible Indian nationals can apply for their UAE entry permit on the Emirates website through the 'Manage your booking' feature. For an extension, the original passport and a ticket copy are required. Extensions can be made at the airport office only. A colour photograph of the applicant and a colour copy of the applicant's passport are also required. The passport must be valid for at least six months, and the visa must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.
It is important to note that the online visa application service is only available to passengers with a confirmed Emirates booking and a ticketed itinerary that includes the desired time in Dubai. Additionally, the itinerary into and out of Dubai should be on the same ticket, and these flights must be Emirates flights. A minimum of four international working days prior to arrival in Dubai is required for the online application, although earlier applications are recommended.
Alternatively, Indian nationals can apply for a transit visa. The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. These visas must be processed and approved before entering the UAE and are sponsored by UAE-based airlines. The 48-hour transit visa is issued free of charge, while the 96-hour visa has a fee of AED 50.
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You may not need a transit visa if you don't leave the airport
If you are transiting in Dubai for less than 24 hours and do not plan to leave the airport, you may not need a transit visa. This is because the UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. These visas are intended for passengers who will be transiting through the UAE's airports and must be processed and approved before entering the country.
However, it's important to note that the specific visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country you are coming from. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, while others may need to apply for a transit visa in advance through a UAE-based airline.
If you are not leaving the airport during your layover in Dubai, you can book a room at an airport hotel or utilize the airport's facilities, such as swimming pools or quiet zones, to spend your time comfortably. Some airports also offer tours or other activities for passengers with long layovers.
It is always recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality and transit plans with the UAE government or a UAE-based airline before your trip to ensure that you have the correct documentation for your stay in Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are not leaving the airport, you do not need a transit visa. If you are leaving the airport, you need a transit visa unless you are a passport holder from a country that is exempt from UAE tourist visas.
You can get a transit visa by applying through a UAE-based airline. The airline will then apply for your transit visa online. You can also apply for a transit visa online or at the Emirates Commercial Visa APT office at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.
There are two types of transit visas for Dubai: one that is valid for 48 hours and another that is valid for 96 hours. The 48-hour visa is issued free of charge, while the 96-hour visa costs AED 50.
You need to apply for your transit visa in advance. The transit visa is valid for 14 days starting from the date it is issued, and you must use it within those days.
