Passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports can avail of a free transit visa valid for 48 hours. Those planning to stay longer can go for a paid transit visa which is valid for 96 hours and costs Dh 50.
The UAE's Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship recently highlighted these two types of transit visas available for passengers.
Both these transit visas are sponsored only by UAE-based Airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. The authority also warned that both these visas are non-extendable and non-renewable.
You will need a transit visa for UAE if you are not one of the nationalities that are eligible for Visa On Arrival or Visa-free Entry.
To apply for your transit visa arrange your transit visa prior to your journey through
- The UAE based-airlines you are travelling through
- The travel agency you are engaging
All visas are however routed through the airline. Airline agents can apply online for transit visas through one of the many e-channels available.
The authorities caution that the duration of transit visa can't be changed once issued. Thus once a 48 hours visa is issued, it cannot be extended to 96 hours nor can it be renewed.
The validity of the visa is 48 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 48 hours from arrival. Similarly for the 96 hour visa.
To get either of the transit visas, you must have:
- A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months
- A photo of self against a white background
- An onward ticket booking to a third destination, other than the one you are coming from
Authorities ask passengers to note that no fees or additional amounts can be imposed by any federal, local or private entity.