United Arab Emirates/Transit Visa

UAE Transit Visa Requirements

Complete guide to UAE Transit Visa for travelers transiting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports.

Processing: 2-3 working days (express available)

Fee: AED 100-150

Last verified: January 2026

Updated: 27 January 2026

Verified: January 2026

Reviewed by VisaCalm Editorial Team

|Editorial Policy

Overview

The UAE Transit Visa allows travelers to exit the airport during a layover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. This is useful if you have a long connection and want to explore the city.

Two options: - 48-Hour Transit Visa: Short layover, explore quickly - 96-Hour Transit Visa: Longer layover, more time to see UAE

Who needs it: If your nationality requires a UAE visa (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Bangladesh, etc.) and you want to leave the airport during your layover, you need a transit visa.

Note: If staying inside the airport transit area, no visa is required.

Eligibility Requirements

Confirmed onward flight within 48 or 96 hours
Valid passport with 6+ months validity
Hotel booking for transit period
Sufficient funds for transit stay
No UAE visa ban

Required Documents

Valid Passport

Required

Colored scan of bio-data page

Passport Photo

Required

Recent colored photograph

Confirmed Flights

Required

Inbound and onward flight tickets

Must show transit within visa validity

Hotel Booking

Required

Accommodation for transit period

Application Steps

Confirm Flights

Ensure layover fits within 48 or 96 hours

Apply Through Airline

Apply via Emirates, Etihad, or authorized agent

Submit Documents

Passport, photo, flight tickets, hotel booking

Pay Fee

Pay transit visa fee

Receive Visa

e-Visa sent to email

Visa Fees

Type	Amount	Note
48-Hour Transit Visa	AED 100-150	-
96-Hour Transit Visa	AED 150-200	-

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transit visa if I stay in the airport?

No. If you remain in the airport transit area without passing through immigration, no visa is needed.

Can I get transit visa at Dubai airport?

For most nationalities requiring pre-approved visas, you should apply before arrival. Visa on arrival is only for eligible passport holders.

How long is 96-hour transit visa valid?

96 hours (4 days) from entry, not from visa issue date. You must depart within this time.

Generate Your Documents

Create all required documents for your Transit Visa application

Document Studio

View all tools

Processing Time

2-3 working days (express available)

Standard processing

Important

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

Official Sources

This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.

UAE Transit Visa

Official transit visa info

u.aeOfficial

Emirates Transit Visa

Apply via Emirates

emirates.com

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More United Arab Emirates Visas

View all United Arab Emirates visas