This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate. 

Updated March 2024

The UAE is welcoming travellers from all over the world. While many international visitors set their sights on Dubai, many also proceed to make their way to other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and so on.

Wego has compiled a comprehensive guide on Dubai transit visas, including types, requirements, fees, and status checks, for travellers with a Dubai layover in their itinerary.

Who needs to apply for the Dubai & UAE transit visa?

Travellers to Dubai who are not from one of the nationalities eligible for the UAE visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, need to apply for a Dubai transit visa, provided their onward flight from Dubai is in the next 48 hours or 96 hours.

Citizens of the countries below are not allowed to apply for the transit visa:

  1. Somalia
  2. Afghanistan
  3. Iraq
  4. Niger
  5. Yemen

A 30 and 90-day visa on arrival is available for citizens of select countries. 

For citizens of GCC countries, visa-free entry is possible. They also don’t need other types of permits or sponsorships by a national or resident in the UAE.

Please note that the Dubai transit visa is sponsored only by UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE. Both the types of transit visas, 48 hours and 96 hours transit visas, are non extendable.

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Dubai & UAE transit visa 48 hours

The Dubai transit visa for 48 hours is issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports. Eligible applicants need to apply for the 48-hour transit visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. The visa is non extendable and non-renewable. Once a 48 hours visa is issued, it cannot be extended to 96 hours.

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Furthermore, the validity of the transit visa is 48 hours from the date of entry into the UAE, and travellers holding the visa must leave the UAE within 48 hours from arrival.

To get a 48 hours transit visa, you must have the following documents:

  • a passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three (3) 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.

Dubai & UAE transit visa 96 hours

The Dubai transit visa for 96 hours is issued against a fee of AED 50 to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports. Eligible passengers need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. The visa is not extendable nor renewable.

Furthermore, the validity of the transit visa is 96 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 96 hours from arrival.

To get a 96 hours transit visa, you must have the following documents:

  • a passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six (6) 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.

How to apply for a Dubai transit visa?

Transit visas are obtained by the UAE-based airline you are travelling with. The airline typically arranges your transit visa prior to your journey. If your trip is organized by a travel agency, the travel agent will arrange for your transit visa to be issued.

Airline agents can apply online for the Dubai transit visas through one of the following means:

Dubai transit visa status check

You can track the status of your Dubai transit visa application from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website.

To track your visa application, follow the steps given below:

  • visit the link smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
  • enter your visa ‘Application Number’ and ‘Reference/Transaction Number’. When you submit your visa application to any visa service provider, ask them to give you the application number and reference number so you can track the visa yourself.
  • enter your visa ‘Payment Date’.
  • tick the Captcha box, and click on ‘Submit’.

You will now be able to check the status of your Dubai transit visa application.

Dubai transit visa price

The emirate has announced new changes that increase the cost of the United Arab Emirates transit visa. The fee for a 96-hour transit visa has been raised to AED 50, while a 48-hour transit visa remains free of charge.

No fees or additional amounts can be imposed by any federal, local, or private entity. However, a departure fee of AED 30 (USD 8.17) is levied on each passenger passing through the UAE’s airports.

 

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