The UAE transit visa is a short-stay permit that allows travelers with connecting flights through the United Arab Emirates to leave the airport and enter the country for 48 or 96 hours. It is designed for passengers whose layover is too long to spend airside but too short to justify a full tourist visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UAE transit visa, including eligibility, fees, required documents, how to apply through each airline, and whether you can explore Dubai or Abu Dhabi during your stopover.
What Is the UAE Transit Visa?
The UAE transit visa is a single-entry permit issued to travelers passing through a UAE airport on their way to a third country. It is not a tourist visa and cannot be used for a standalone visit to the Emirates. The transit visa exists specifically for passengers with confirmed onward flights who want to leave the airport during a layover.
There are two types of UAE transit visas:
- 48-hour transit visa: Allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 48 hours after entry. This is the most common option for short layovers.
- 96-hour transit visa: Allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 96 hours (four days) after entry. Suitable for longer stopovers or when you want to explore the country.
Both visa types are single-entry, meaning you cannot leave and re-enter the UAE on the same transit visa. Neither type can be extended. If you need more time in the UAE, you must apply for a UAE tourist visa instead.
The transit visa is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), but applications are submitted through airlines rather than directly to the government.
48-Hour vs 96-Hour Transit Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | 48-Hour Transit Visa | 96-Hour Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of stay | Up to 48 hours | Up to 96 hours (4 days) |
| Entry validity | 30 days from issuance | 30 days from issuance |
| Number of entries | Single entry | Single entry |
| Approximate fee | AED 55 (~USD 15) | AED 216 (~USD 59) |
| Extendable | No | No |
| Best for | Short layovers, connecting flights | Weekend stopovers, short exploratory visits |
| Hotel requirement | Not mandatory if under 24 hours | Mandatory for stays over 24 hours |
The fee amounts listed above are based on Etihad Airways’ published rates. Fees may vary slightly depending on the airline and processing channel. Some airlines sponsor transit visas at no cost for their ticket holders, so always check with your carrier first.
Who Needs a UAE Transit Visa?
Not every traveler transiting through the UAE needs a transit visa. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, your airline, and whether you plan to leave the airport.
You do NOT need a transit visa if:
- You hold a passport from a visa-on-arrival country (including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and many others). These nationalities can enter the UAE without a prearranged visa and stay for 30 to 90 days depending on nationality.
- You remain in the airport’s transit area and do not pass through immigration. If your layover is under 8 hours and you stay airside, no visa is required regardless of your nationality.
You DO need a transit visa if:
- Your nationality requires a prearranged visa to enter the UAE.
- You want to leave the airport during your layover.
- Your connecting flight is on a separate ticket (not a through booking).
Quick Decision Guide
Q: Am I from a visa-on-arrival country?
If yes: You do not need a transit visa. Enter freely with your passport.
If no: Continue to the next question.
Q: Will I stay inside the airport transit area?
If yes: No visa needed. Remain airside and proceed to your connecting gate.
If no: You need a transit visa.
Q: Is my layover under 48 hours or over 48 hours?
Under 48 hours: Apply for a 48-hour transit visa.
Over 48 hours (up to 96 hours): Apply for a 96-hour transit visa.
Over 96 hours: You need a UAE tourist visa instead.
For a complete list of nationalities eligible for visa-on-arrival, see our UAE eVisa guide.
UAE Transit Visa Requirements
Before applying for a UAE transit visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Handwritten passports are not accepted – your passport must be machine-readable.
- Passport-size photograph: Standard UAE visa photo size is 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm with a white background. Some airlines accept digital photos uploaded online.
- Confirmed onward ticket: You must have a confirmed flight from the UAE to a third destination. The onward flight cannot be to your country of origin – the transit visa is for passengers connecting to a different country.
- Health insurance: Valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE. Some airlines require proof of insurance at the time of application.
- Hotel reservation (if staying over 24 hours): If your transit exceeds 24 hours, you must provide a confirmed hotel booking in the UAE. Alternatively, if staying with a UAE resident, you can provide their Emirates ID and residence visa copy.
Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality and the airline processing your application.
For general information about UAE visa documentation, see our UAE Visa Requirements page.
How to Apply for a UAE Transit Visa
The UAE transit visa cannot be applied for directly through a government portal. Applications must be submitted through your airline or an authorized visa processing service. Here is how to apply through each major carrier.
Through Emirates Airlines
Emirates passengers can apply for a UAE transit visa online through the VFS Global portal, which is linked from the Emirates Manage Booking page.
Step 1: Book a confirmed Emirates flight with a UAE connection. Your itinerary must include flights into and out of the UAE on a single Emirates ticket (PNR).
Step 2: Log in to Manage Booking on emirates.com.
Step 3: Select the visa application option and complete the online form. Upload your passport copy, photograph, and onward ticket.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee and VFS Global processing fee online.
Step 5: Receive your approved transit visa by email, typically within 2 to 4 working days.
Important: The Emirates online visa service requires at least 4 international working days before your arrival in Dubai. Apply as early as possible. Only Emirates-operated flights are eligible – mixed itineraries with other carriers are not accepted.
Through Etihad Airways
Etihad offers a dedicated transit visa application portal for passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi.
Step 1: Book a confirmed Etihad flight with an Abu Dhabi connection.
Step 2: Visit etihad.visaonline.ae and select the transit visa option.
Step 3: Complete the application form and upload your documents in JPEG format (each file must not exceed 1 MB).
Step 4: Pay the visa fee online (AED 55 for 48 hours, AED 216 for 96 hours).
Step 5: Receive your approved transit visa by email.
Etihad’s transit visa is valid for entry within 30 days of issuance. If you postpone your trip beyond this period, you must reapply. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Through flydubai
flydubai passengers can apply for transit visas through the airline’s visa services page. The process is similar to Emirates, with applications processed through authorized visa agents. Check flydubai.com/visa for the latest application requirements and fees.
At the Airport
In some cases, transit visa applications can be made at the airline’s visa office at the airport. Emirates operates a Commercial Visa APT office at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. However, airport applications are subject to availability and processing times, so applying online before travel is strongly recommended.
For information about processing times across all UAE visa types, see our UAE Visa Processing Time guide.
UAE Transit Visa Fees
Transit visa fees vary depending on the visa type and the airline processing the application. The table below shows the standard fees.
| Visa Type | Etihad (Abu Dhabi) | Emirates (Dubai) | flydubai (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour transit | AED 55 (~USD 15) | Varies + VFS fee | Varies |
| 96-hour transit | AED 216 (~USD 59) | Varies + VFS fee | Varies |
Additional costs to consider:
- VFS Global processing fee: Emirates applications through VFS Global include a separate processing fee on top of the visa fee.
- Health insurance: If you do not already have travel insurance, you may need to purchase coverage. Costs vary by provider and duration.
- Hotel booking: Required for transit stays exceeding 24 hours. Budget hotels near Dubai airports start from approximately AED 150 per night.
Some airlines occasionally offer free transit visas as a promotional benefit for ticket holders. Check your airline’s website or contact their customer service to confirm current offers.
For a comprehensive breakdown of all UAE visa costs, visit our UAE Visa Fee guide.
UAE Transit Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a UAE transit visa is 2 to 4 working days from the date of application. Emirates recommends applying at least 4 international working days before your arrival date.
Factors that may affect processing time:
- Application completeness: Missing documents or unclear passport scans are the most common cause of delays.
- Nationality: Applicants from certain countries may undergo additional security screening, which can add 1 to 3 days.
- Peak travel periods: Applications submitted during holiday seasons or major events may take longer due to higher volumes.
- Airline processing: Different airlines have different processing workflows. Etihad’s online portal typically processes applications within 48 hours, while Emirates applications through VFS Global may take up to 4 working days.
Apply as early as possible. The transit visa is valid for entry within 30 days of issuance, so there is no penalty for applying well in advance.
Can You Leave the Airport During Transit?
Yes, you can leave the airport during transit if you hold a valid UAE transit visa or if your nationality qualifies for visa-on-arrival entry. The transit visa is specifically designed to allow passengers to exit the airport and enter the UAE during their layover.
However, there are important rules to keep in mind:
Transits under 8 hours: Most passengers choose to remain in the airport transit area. UAE airports, especially Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH), offer extensive facilities including lounges, sleeping pods, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. Leaving the airport for such a short time is generally not practical.
Transits of 8 to 24 hours: A transit visa allows you to leave the airport, explore the city, and return for your connecting flight. You do not need a hotel booking for transits under 24 hours, but you should ensure you have enough time to clear immigration, travel to and from the city, and clear security for your onward flight.
Transits over 24 hours: If your layover exceeds 24 hours, you are required to have a confirmed hotel reservation in the UAE. If staying with a friend or relative who is a UAE resident, you must provide their Emirates ID and residence visa copy instead.
Overstaying penalties: Do not overstay your transit visa. The UAE enforces strict overstay penalties, including fines of AED 100 or more per day and potential bans on future entry. If your transit visa expires before your departure, you may face difficulties at immigration.
UAE Transit Visa for Children and Dependents
Children and dependents traveling with you require their own individual transit visa. Each child must have:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- A passport-size photograph
- A confirmed onward ticket
Children cannot be included on a parent’s transit visa. Applications for minors are submitted through the same airline portal as adult applications, and the same fees apply.
For infants and very young children, ensure that all passport and visa documents are prepared well in advance. Some airlines have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors, so check with your carrier if your child is traveling without a parent or guardian.
Transit Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Staying Airside
Understanding which option applies to you can save time and money. Here is a quick comparison:
| Scenario | What You Need | Cost | Can Leave Airport? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-on-arrival nationality, any layover | Nothing – enter with passport | Free | Yes |
| Non-visa-on-arrival, staying airside | Nothing | Free | No |
| Non-visa-on-arrival, leaving airport, under 48hr | 48-hour transit visa | AED 55+ | Yes |
| Non-visa-on-arrival, leaving airport, under 96hr | 96-hour transit visa | AED 216+ | Yes |
| Non-visa-on-arrival, staying over 96hr | Tourist visa | AED 300+ | Yes |
If your nationality qualifies for visa-on-arrival, you do not need to apply for anything in advance. Simply present your passport at immigration, and you will be granted entry for 30 to 90 days depending on your nationality.
If you are unsure about your visa status, contact your airline or check the UAE government’s official visa portal before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a transit visa for a 2-hour layover in Dubai?
If you remain inside the airport transit area and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a transit visa regardless of your nationality. A transit visa is only required if you want to leave the airport.
Can I get a UAE transit visa on arrival at the airport?
In some cases, yes. Airlines like Emirates operate visa processing offices at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. However, it is strongly recommended to apply online before travel to avoid delays or rejection at the airport.
Can I use a transit visa to visit Dubai and then fly home?
No. The transit visa is for passengers connecting to a third country, not returning to their country of origin. If you are flying to Dubai as your final destination (or returning home through Dubai), you need a tourist visa instead.
How much does a UAE transit visa cost?
The 48-hour transit visa costs approximately AED 55 (about USD 15) through Etihad Airways. The 96-hour transit visa costs approximately AED 216 (about USD 59). Fees vary by airline and may include additional processing charges.
Can I extend my UAE transit visa?
No. UAE transit visas cannot be extended. If you need more time in the UAE, you must apply for a tourist visa before your transit visa expires.
What happens if I overstay my transit visa?
Overstaying a UAE transit visa results in daily fines starting at AED 100 per day. You may also face a ban on future entry to the UAE. It is essential to depart before your transit visa expires.
Do Indian citizens need a transit visa for the UAE?
Yes. Indian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa. If you remain in the airport transit area, no visa is needed.
Can I apply for a UAE transit visa without a confirmed onward ticket?
No. A confirmed onward ticket to a third destination is a mandatory requirement for all UAE transit visa applications. Without it, your application will be rejected.
