group-2line-73

Blog

Get started

Unlocking Dubai Transit Visa : All You Need to Know for Smooth Travel

Last Update: 25-09-2024

Man smiling in sunglasses and a jacket, with snowy mountains in the background.

Aditya Jain

Dubai Transit Visa
Home
>
United Arab Emirates
>
Unlocking Dubai Transit Visa : All You Need to Know for Smooth Travel

Quick Summary

Category48-hour transit visa96-hour transit visa

Eligibility

Passport valid for 3+ months, onward ticket, photo

Passport valid for 3+ months, onward ticket, photo

Visa Fee

Free of charge

AED 50

Validity

48 hours from entry

96 hours from entry

Departure Requirement

Must leave UAE within 48 hours

Must leave UAE within 96 hours

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Dubai Transit Visa?
  2. Types of Dubai Transit Visas
  3. Eligibility for a Dubai Transit Visa
  4. How to Get a Dubai Transit Visa?
  5. UAE Transit Visa Fees
  6. Validity of a Dubai Transit Visa
  7. Dubai Transit Visa Processing Time
  8. Rules and Regulations for Dubai in Transit Visa
  9. FAQs

Introduction

Got a layover in Dubai? Knowing the ins and outs of a Dubai transit visa is key to a stress free travel experience. This article will cover what is a Dubai transit visa, the different types and how to apply for one.

Whether you just want to stretch your legs after a long flight or want to explore the city of Dubai, knowing the UAE transit visa rules is essential to make the most of your Dubai stopover.

What is a Dubai Transit Visa?

A Dubai transit visa for Indians is a type of visa that allows Indian nationals to leave the airport and stay in the UAE during a layover when traveling on Emirates or other airlines. This visa is necessary if your layover extends beyond the airport or if you wish to explore Dubai or the surrounding areas during your transit.

Types of Dubai Transit Visas

Transit visa in Dubai for Indians are available for 48 or 96 hours. Read below to understand the types of transit visa for Dubai in detail:

  1. 48-Hour Dubai Transit Visa: Passengers transiting through the UAE's airports can obtain a 48-hour transit visa free of charge. This visa must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline. It is important to note that this visa cannot be extended or renewed. Its validity lasts for 48 hours from entry into the UAE, and departure must occur within this timeframe.
  2. 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa: Passengers transiting through the UAE's airports can obtain a 96-hour transit visa for a fee of AED 50. Similar to the 48-hour visa, this visa must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline and is non-expandable and non-renewable. Its validity lasts for 96 hours from entry into the UAE, and departure must occur within this timeframe.

Eligibility for a Dubai Transit Visa

To be eligible, you need to meet certain Dubai transit visa requirements. These are to ensure that travellers using the UAE as a transit point have proper documents and confirmed travel plans. Here are the Dubai transit visa requirements you need to meet:

  1. Valid Passport or Travel Document: You must have a passport or another recognized travel document that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your entry date to the UAE.
  2. Photograph: A recent photo of yourself against a white background is required. This photo should follow the visa photo requirements, same as other international visa standards, clear front facing photo without headwear (unless for religious purposes) and neutral facial expression.
  3. Onward Ticket: You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination that is not the country you are coming from. This is to show that your stay in the UAE is for transit only.

How to Get a Dubai Transit Visa?

Dubai transit visa application requires coordination with UAE based airlines or an authorized travel agency. Here’s how to apply for transit visa in Dubai:

Application Through UAE Based Airlines

  1. Airline Coordination: You need to coordinate with the UAE based airline you are traveling with for your transit visa. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai and Air Arabia can facilitate this process. Make sure to start this process well in advance of your travel date.
  2. Document Submission: Submit the required documents including your valid passport, recent photo against white background and proof of onward travel to a third country.
  3. Visa Application via Airline: The airline agent will apply on your behalf through one of the online systems designated for transit visa application.

Application Through Travel Agencies

  1. Choose a Registered Agency: Select a travel agency that has tie up with UAE based airlines. This is mandatory as all visa applications need to be routed through these airlines.
  2. Submit Your Details: Similar to applying through airlines, you will need to submit your documents to the agency and they will process the application on your behalf.

Online Platforms for Application

  1. E-Channels Portal: This is the official portal where airline agents or authorized travel agencies can submit transit visa applications. 
  2. UAEICP App: This app is available for both Apple and Android devices and can be used by airline agents or authorized agencies to apply for transit visas. It’s a quick and easy way to submit and track.
  3. GDRFA Online Channels: Each emirate’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has online channels for visa application. Depending on your entry point in the UAE, application might need to be processed through the specific emirate’s GDRFA website or platform.

UAE Transit Visa Fees

Following are the Dubai transit visa price based on its types: 

Dubai Transit Visa 48-Hour Price:

  • Fee: Issued free of charge.

96-Hour Transit Visa:

  • Fee: Issued at a cost of AED 50.

Important note on additional UAE transit visa fees

  • No Hidden Charges: Please note that no extra fees or amounts can be added to these visas by any federal, local or private entity in the UAE.
  • Departure Fee: Although the Dubai transit visa price has clear fee details, all passengers transiting through UAE airports need to pay a departure fee of AED 30. This fee is usually included in the ticket price but please check with your airline to confirm.

Validity of a Dubai Transit Visa

48-Hour Transit Visa

  • Validity: The 48-hour transit visa is valid for exactly 48 hours from the moment of entry into the UAE. This visa allows passengers to leave the airport and explore Dubai or other parts of the UAE briefly during their transit.

96-Hour Transit Visa

  • Validity: The 96-hour transit visa allows for a longer stay of up to 96 hours and is valid from the time of entry into the UAE.

Dubai Transit Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UAE transit visa can vary depending on the airline you apply with. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Airline Dependency: Processing time can vary depending on the airline you apply with. Major airlines like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai and Air Arabia have streamlined the process for transit visa application which can sometimes result in faster processing time.
  2. Typical Duration: 2 to 4 working days. This is normal time and can vary during peak seasons or due to other unforeseen circumstances.

Rules and Regulations for Dubai in Transit Visa

  • Passport Validity: Passengers must have a passport or travel document with at least three months of validity from the date of entry into the UAE.
  • Onward Ticket: A confirmed onward ticket to a third country, other than the one from which they are arriving, is required.
  • Photograph: Applicants must provide a photograph against a white background as part of the visa application process.
  • Passengers must depart from the UAE within the visa validity period (either 48 or 96 hours, depending on the visa type). Overstaying can result in fines and legal penalties.

Restrictions on Activities:

  • Employment Prohibited: Transit visa holders are not allowed to engage in any form of employment during their stay in the UAE.
  • Single Entry: Both the 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas are single-entry visas, which means once you leave the UAE, the visa cannot be used again, even if the time period has not expired.

Learn more about Dubai visas

solid_check-one

Dubai Transit Visa - Government Portal

solid_check-one

Teleport UAE Visa Portal

solid_check-one

Dubai Tourist Visa

solid_check-one

Dubai Express Visa

solid_check-one

Dubai Visa Check

solid_check-one

Other UAE Blogs

solid_check-one

Dubai Visa on Arrival

solid_check-one

Dubai Visa Photo Requirements

solid_check-one

Dubai Visa for Indians

Final Thoughts

Getting a UAE transit visa might seem daunting but with the right info and prep it’s easy. Make sure you meet the requirements and apply in advance and you’ll have a stress free layover in Dubai.

Remember, a UAE transit visa not only allows you to leave the airport to explore but also helps in managing travel fatigue during long flights.

Plan ahead, follow the steps above and get ready to add a new page to your travel book with a quick Dubai adventure!

FAQ

logo