Transit Visa Services in UAE

The Transit Visa is designed for travelers stopping in the UAE route to a third destination. Ideal for long layovers, it allows passengers to exit the airport and explore cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a short time. The UAE offers two types: a 48-hour visa (free) and a 96-hour visa (AED 50), both non-extendable and available only once.

Only UAE-based airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad, can arrange a Transit Visa for Emirates passengers or travelers flying through other local carriers. To be eligible, travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months. Those staying within the transit area generally don’t require a visa.

Whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or investment, Safe Ledger provides comprehensive Visa Services in UAE to help you apply for Transit Visa, Travel Visa, or Tourist Visa quickly and securely

A Transit UAE Visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to leave the airport during a layover in the UAE. “Transit” refers to passing through a country en route to a final destination. This visa is ideal for layovers longer than simple airport transfers, giving travelers a chance to explore cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The UAE offers two types of transit visas, 48-hour and 96-hour, both of which are non-extendable. These visas are typically sponsored and processed by UAE-based airlines, such as Emirates or Etihad Airways.

Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months. The Transit Visa is designed to encourage brief exploration of the Emirates, turning layovers into mini-visits, boosting local tourism.

To quickly determine if a Transit Visa is needed, consult the following table:

Know more about: How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in Dubai

A common question for many travelers is, "Does UAE require transit visa?" This section clarifies who needs a Transit Visa and under what circumstances it becomes necessary.

Travelers who have layovers in the UAE longer than 8 hours and wish to leave the airport must obtain a transit visa. It is required for nationals not eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry. Passengers staying within the airport transit area usually do not need this visa. Airlines typically handle the visa application.

Conditions for Requiring a Transit Visa

You generally need a UAE Transit Visa if your nationality isn't eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry. This applies if your onward flight is within 48 or 96 hours of arrival. A Transit Visa is also essential if you plan to leave the airport during a layover exceeding 8 hours. It ensures legal entry for exploring the city briefly.

Scenarios Where a Transit Visa Is Not Required

A Transit Visa is typically not required if your connecting flight is part of a single itinerary and you don't intend to leave the airport. Most airports permit passengers to remain in the transit area for up to 8 hours without needing to clear immigration. For shorter layovers, staying within the airport avoids visa requirements.

Understanding the 8-Hour Layover Rule

The "8-hour rule" for staying within the airport without a visa is a practical threshold. The 96-hour Transit Visa requires a minimum 8-hour stop. Shorter layovers are efficiently managed within the transit area. Longer layovers, however, are seen as opportunities to exit the airport. This policy helps manage airport flow and encourages local spending.

A UAE Transit Visa isn’t just for layovers – it can also be an opportunity to explore business and professional prospects. Travelers can take advantage of their short stay to evaluate Business Setup options in the UAE Mainland, Freezone, or UAE Offshore

Many travelers are exempt from transit visa requirements due to visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Many nationalities can enter the UAE without a visa or are eligible for a visa on arrival. These travelers do not need a separate transit visa. For example, citizens from Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong, and Malaysia receive a free 30-day visit visa upon arrival. This broad accessibility simplifies travel for many international visitors.

Visa on Arrival Eligibility

A longer list of countries qualifies for a 90-day visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. This includes many European nations, Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, Brazil, China, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, and South Korea. This policy significantly reduces friction for a large portion of international travelers, promoting tourism and business connections.

Special Provisions for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals have specific provisions for visa on arrival. They can obtain a 14-day visa for a fee if they hold a valid US visa or Green Card. This also applies with a UK or EU residence card, or a residence permit from specific countries. This targeted approach attracts high-value travelers from a key emerging market.

GCC Nationals: Visa-Free Entry

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries enjoy complete freedom of movement within the UAE. This means they do not require any visa, including a transit visa. This policy further streamlines travel for regional visitors, fostering stronger economic and social ties within the GCC bloc.

The UAE offers specific types of Transit Visa options.

• The 48-Hour Transit Visa (Free)

This UAE free Transit Visa is issued without charge. It is for passengers transiting through UAE airports. It permits a stay of up to 48 hours from entry into the UAE. Travelers must apply for this visa in advance, ideally 3 to 5 days before travel, via a UAE-based airline. A key characteristic is that it is not extendable or renewable.

To qualify, a traveler's passport must be valid for at least three months. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background is also required. Furthermore, an onward ticket to a third destination, different from the origin, is mandatory.

• The 96-Hour Transit Visa (Paid)

The 96-hour Transit Visa UAE is issued for a fee of  AED 50; fees may vary, so always refer to the official website for accurate charges. It doesn’t include any mediator service fees charged by airlines. This visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours. Similar to the 48-hour visa, it must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is also not extendable or renewable.

For the 96-hour transit visa, a traveler's passport must be valid for at least six months. A recent photo with a white background and an onward ticket is also mandatory. A 48-hour visa cannot be extended to a 96-hour visa. The minimum stopover duration for a 96-hour Transit Visa is 8 hours.

Note: The countdown starts from the moment of entry into the UAE.

Addition information: Golden Visa Dubai Requirements

To apply for a transit visa, specific documents are necessary. Understanding these Transit Visa requirements is key to ensuring a smooth application process.

Essential Documents Checklist

This section outlines all essential documents and eligibility criteria:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document:

  • Your passport or travel document must be valid.
  • For a 48-hour transit visa, a minimum of three months' validity is required.
  • For a 96-hour transit visa, your passport needs at least six months' validity.

• Passport-Sized Photograph:

  • A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background is mandatory.
  • The photo must be clear, front-facing, and without any headwear obscuring the face.

• Confirmed Onward Ticket:

  • A confirmed onward ticket to a third destination is critical.
  • This destination must be different from your origin point.
  • Special Requirement: For Emirates Airlines Transit Visa applications, the return ticket must be an EK codeshare flight, with the ticket number starting "176".

• No Prior Entry Restrictions:

  • Travelers must ensure they have no prior restrictions or prior immigration violations preventing their entry into the UAE.

• Accommodation Details (if applicable):

  • If your transit exceeds 24 hours and you plan to leave the airport, a confirmed hotel reservation is required.
  • Alternatively, provide details of a host, including their Emirates ID or residency copy.

• Specific Nationality Requirements:

  • Travelers from Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran must provide a copy of their National ID Card (Tazkira ID for Afghanistan).
  • Indian passport holders need to provide copies of both the first and last pages of their passports.

Many travelers who start with a short-term Transit Visa later qualify for longer-term options such as Investor Visa or Golden Visa UAE for extended residency.

Know more information: Visa Renewal Process in Dubai

Many travelers wonder, "How to apply Transit Visa for UAE?" This section provides guidance on how to do just that.

Step 1: Understand the Application Channel

Applying for a UAE Transit Visa involves a clear, airline-led process. Since individuals cannot apply for a UAE Transit Visa directly, the first step is to identify your application channel. Only UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, or Air Arabia can sponsor and process transit visas.

If you’ve booked your trip through a travel agency, they may assist with the process, but the actual application must still go through the airline you're flying with.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Once your flight is confirmed, you can usually submit your Transit Visa application online through your airline’s portal. For instance, Emirates allows travelers to apply via the “Manage your booking” section, requiring documents like:

• passport copy
• passport-sized photo
• booking reference
• ticket number

Etihad also offers a Transit Visa service on their website, specifically for travelers entering through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

Step 3: Airline Submits to Government Authorities

After receiving your documents, the airline will forward your application to UAE immigration authorities. They use official platforms like the eChannels system, UAEICP mobile app, or the relevant emirate’s GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portal. This airline-driven approach ensures secure, streamlined processing in coordination with UAE immigration.

Typically, Transit Visa approvals take 24 to 72 hours, depending on the airline and immigration workload.

Follow these steps to apply for your transit visa, or simply let Safe Ledger handle the entire process for you - from documentation to approval tracking!

This section outlines the cost and processing time of a Transit Visa for better travel planning.

Transit Visa Costs

If a refund is requested before processing, an administrative fee of AED 50 may be deducted. Travelers should also note that additional processing fees may apply. This depends on the specific airline or service provider.

Processing Time

Safe Ledger’s Pro Services ensure your transit visa application, documentation, and coordination with UAE-based airlines are handled efficiently, saving time and avoiding delays. Get in Touch With Us Now