Traveling Via The UAE? How To Apply For Transit Visas
If you have a stopover planned in the UAE on your way to another destination, you will need to apply for a UAE Transit Visa, depending on your nationality. The UAE offers two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. These visas can be sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be approved before entering the country.
If you are not from a country eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE, you will need a transit visa. Only the UAE-based airlines you are travelling through can arrange your transit visa before your journey. Travel agencies can assist, but all visas are processed through the airline.
Airlines can apply online for transit visas via the eChannels portal, the UAEICP app for Apple and Android, or online channels provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate. Unlike tourist visas, travel agencies or private sponsors cannot apply on your behalf.
Transit visas are issued either for 48 hours or 96 hours. Note that a 48-hour visa cannot be extended to 96 hours once issued.
48-Hour Transit Visas
These visas are free of charge and must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline. They are not extendable or renewable. The visa is valid for 48 hours from entry, and you must leave within this period.
To obtain a 48-hour transit visa, you need:
- A passport or travel document with at least three months' validity
- A photo against a white background
- An onward ticket to a third destination
96-Hour Transit Visas
The 96-hour transit visa costs Dh50 and also requires advance application through a UAE-based airline. Like the 48-hour visa, it is neither extendable nor renewable. The visa is valid for 96 hours from entry, and you must depart within this timeframe.
To obtain a 96-hour transit visa, you need:
- A passport or travel document with at least six months' validity
- A photo against a white background
- An onward ticket to a third destination
No additional fees can be imposed by any federal, local, or private entity. However, there is a departure fee of Dh30 for each passenger passing through UAE airports. A UAE Transit Visa is usually processed within 3-4 working days, but may take longer depending on the airline, your country, and other specific circumstances.
It is important to note that you cannot stay in the country beyond the date that the visa is issued for. The countdown starts from the time you enter the UAE. Therefore, ensuring all requirements are met before applying will facilitate smooth processing of your transit visa. Always check with your airline or travel agency for the latest information and guidelines.
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