UAE Transit Visa 2025 – 48 & 96 Hour Stopover Guide
The UAE, with its state-of-the-art airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, serves as a major crossroads for global travel. Millions of passengers pass through these hubs each year, connecting flights between continents. For many travelers, a long layover presents a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the UAE’s iconic attractions. To do this, you’ll need a transit visa.
This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the UAE Transit Visa in 2025. We’ll walk you through the different types, requirements, and application process in a simple, step-by-step manner. Whether you have 48 or 96 hours to spare, this visa allows you to turn a brief stop into a memorable mini-vacation, stress-free.
Who Needs a UAE Transit Visa?
Understanding whether you need a transit visa is the first step. The rules are straightforward and depend on your nationality and the length of your layover.
A transit visa is required for non-GCC nationals who are passing through a UAE airport on their way to a third destination and wish to leave the airport premises. If you plan to stay within the airport’s transit area to catch your connecting flight, you do not need a visa.
However, many travelers are exempt from this requirement. You do not need to apply for a transit visa if you are a citizen of a country that is eligible for:
- Visa-free entry: Citizens of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar) do not need a visa.
- Visa on arrival: Citizens from many countries, including those in the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can get a free 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival. If you are eligible for this, you can simply proceed to immigration upon landing to get your passport stamped.
If your nationality does not fall into one of these exempt categories, you will need to secure a transit visa in advance to leave the airport during your stopover.
Types of UAE Transit Visas (2025)
The UAE offers two distinct types of transit visas, designed to match the length of your layover. Both are non-extendable and created specifically for short-term stays.
48-Hour Transit Visa
This is the most popular option for travelers with a short layover. It allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 48 hours from your time of entry.
- Cost: Free of charge.
- Best for: Overnight stays, a quick city tour, or visiting a specific attraction like the Burj Khalifa or Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Key Feature: As it’s free, it provides an excellent, cost-effective way to explore the country during a brief stop.
96-Hour Transit Visa
For those with a longer layover, this visa provides more flexibility to explore. It allows you to remain in the UAE for up to 96 hours.
- Cost: Approximately AED 50–100.
- Best for: A weekend trip, exploring multiple emirates, or enjoying a more relaxed visit without rushing back to the airport.
- Key Feature: Offers double the time for a small fee, making it ideal for travelers who want a more immersive experience.
It’s crucial to remember that neither of these visas can be extended. You must depart the UAE before your 48 or 96 hours are up.
Requirements for UAE Transit Visa
The application process for a transit visa is streamlined, but you must have the correct documents ready. The primary requirement is that your application must be sponsored by a UAE-based airline.
Here is a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Valid Onward Ticket: You must have a confirmed ticket for a flight to a third destination. Your layover in the UAE cannot be the end of your journey. For example, a flight from London to Dubai to Sydney is eligible, but a return ticket from London to Dubai is not.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the UAE.
- Passport-Size Photograph: A recent, clear photograph with a white background is required for the application.
- Airline Sponsorship: Your application must be processed through the airline you are flying with into the UAE (e.g., Emirates, Etihad).
Pro Tip: Apply for your visa at least 48 hours before your travel date to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.
How to Apply for a UAE Transit Visa
The most common and recommended way to apply for a transit visa is directly through the UAE airline you are flying with. They act as your sponsor and handle the administrative process, making it much simpler for you.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Book Your Flights: First, book your connecting flights through a UAE-based carrier like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or Air Arabia. Ensure your layover is long enough to make use of the visa (at least 8 hours is recommended).
- Access the Airline’s Visa Portal: Once your booking is confirmed, visit the airline’s official website to access their visa application service. You will usually find this under the “Manage My Booking” or a dedicated “UAE Visas” section.
- Submit Your Documents: Fill out the online application form and upload scanned copies of your passport, photo, and onward flight ticket.
- Receive Visa Approval: Once approved, the visa will be sent to you electronically via email. Print a copy to present to the immigration authorities upon your arrival in the UAE.
Some airlines also allow you to apply for the 48-hour visa at their designated counters upon arrival at the airport, but applying in advance is always recommended for a smoother experience.
Helpful Links:
- Emirates Transit Visa Page
- Etihad Transit Visa Page
- UAE Government Transit Visa Information
UAE Transit Visa Fees & Processing Times
The costs and timelines for transit visas are designed for the convenience of travelers on a tight schedule.
| Visa Type | Fee (AED) | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-Hour Transit | Free | 1–2 days | 48 hours, non-extendable |
| 96-Hour Transit | 50–100 | 1–3 days | 96 hours, non-extendable |
Processing times are generally quick, but it’s always wise to apply as early as possible once your flights are booked.
UAE Transit Visa Conditions
To ensure a hassle-free stopover, it’s important to be aware of the conditions attached to your transit visa.
- Non-Extendable: Transit visas cannot be extended under any circumstances. You must leave the country before the visa expires.
- Confirmed Onward Flight: You must hold a confirmed booking for a flight departing the UAE to a third country.
- No Status Change: A transit visa cannot be converted into a tourist, work, or any other type of residence visa while you are in the country. You must exit and apply for a new visa if you wish to return for a longer stay.
- Validity Period: The visa is valid only for the duration specified (48 or 96 hours) from your time of entry.
Common Rejection Reasons
While the approval rate for transit visas is high, rejections can happen. Here are some common reasons to avoid:
- No Confirmed Onward Flight: Your itinerary must clearly show you are transiting through the UAE, not making it your final destination.
- Damaged or Invalid Passport: A passport that is damaged, has missing pages, or has less than six months of validity will be rejected.
- Previous Immigration Violations: If you have a history of overstaying a previous UAE visa or other immigration offenses, your application may be denied.
- Incomplete Application: Missing documents or unclear photos can also lead to rejection. Double-check everything before submitting.
FAQs – UAE Transit Visa 2025
1. Is the 48-hour transit visa really free?
Yes, the 48-hour transit visa is offered free of charge to eligible travelers transiting through the UAE.
2. Can I extend a UAE transit visa?
No, neither the 48-hour nor the 96-hour transit visa can be extended. You must depart the UAE before your visa expires to avoid overstay fines.
3. Can I leave the airport on a transit visa?
Absolutely! That is the primary purpose of the transit visa. It allows you to clear immigration and explore the city during your layover.
4. Which airlines provide transit visas?
Major UAE-based carriers are your sponsors. This includes Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia.
5. Do Indian, Pakistani, or Filipino nationals need a transit visa?
Yes, citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and many other countries who are not eligible for visa-on-arrival will need to apply for a transit visa if they wish to leave the airport during their layover.
Conclusion
The UAE Transit Visa is a fantastic tool for international travelers, turning a potentially tedious layover into an exciting travel opportunity. The free 48-hour visa is perfect for a quick glimpse of the city, while the low-cost 96-hour option allows for a more substantial visit.
Remember that these visas are designed exclusively for short stopovers and cannot be extended or converted. The key to a smooth experience is planning ahead and applying through your UAE-based airline. By doing so, you can easily add another destination to your travel log.
For longer stays, consider looking into our guides on the [Tourist Visa] or the [Work Visa] to explore more of what the UAE has to offer.
