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Updated March 2023
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.
For those whose itinerary includes Dubai as a pit stop, here are the latest Dubai transit rules you need to know.
Can I transit in Dubai now?
Yes, if you’re a traveller normally permitted to enter the UAE. Transit and tourist visas are now available to travellers from all nationalities, and anyone can travel to the UAE, provided they have the appropriate documents.
Are there any required documents?
A transit visa is required if you are not one of the nationalities that are eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
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 are not required other types of permits or sponsorships by a national or resident in the UAE.
Dubai transit visa
How do I get 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.
Dubai transit visa requirements
In order for the airline or travel agent to obtain your travel visa, the following documents are required.
Dubai transit visa 48 hours
- 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 3rd destination, other than the one you are coming from
Dubai transit visa 96 hours
- 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 3rd destination, other than the one you are coming from
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 218.78, while a 48-hour transit visa remains free of charge. The fee for an express 96-hour transit visa has also been increased to AED 307.22. Transit visas must be processed and approved before entering the UAE and are not extendable.
No fees or additional amounts can be imposed by any federal, local or private entity. A departure fee of AED 30 is levied on each passenger passing through the UAE’s airports.
Dubai transit visa status check
To track your visa application, you need the application number and reference 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 by visiting smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.
Dubai transit COVID-19 rules
As per the Emirates travel requirements page, transiting passengers may or may not need to present a COVID-19 PCR test report and COVID-19 vaccination proof, depending upon where they are travelling from.
As of now, passengers from almost all countries can transit through Dubai without COVID testing and vaccination.
Passengers booked with Dubai Connect/Stopover packages must follow the same PCR test requirements as applicable for passengers arriving/entering Dubai.
Dubai transit hotels
Whether you have an overnight stopover or just a few hours to refresh and relax, you’ll be able to get plenty of undisturbed shut-eye at Dubai International Airport, available within the airport premises.
Dubai International Hotel
Conveniently located at the Dubai International Airport, the Dubai International Hotel is devoted to making your stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel is situated at Terminal 3 of the Airport and caters to the accommodation needs of passengers in transit. Other amenities include:
- Relaxation pool (Concourses B & C only)
- Ladies’ and gents’ Jacuzzi
- Ladies’ and gents’ steam room
- Ladies’ and gents’ sauna (Concourse C only)
- Shower stalls
- In Body – Body Composition Analyzer (Concourse B only)
Book your reservations at the Dubai International Hotel here.
Sleep ’n Fly
Sleep ’n Fly lounges are neither a hotel, nor a classic airport lounge, but rather something unique in between. They are proud pioneers of the sleep lounge concept offering pods and cabins for all travellers. Unlike a hotel they do not charge you for a full night, instead, you pay by the hour depending on the duration of your stay.
They offer anything from a 1-hour power nap to a full night’s stay, with amenities such as blankets or pillows. Each unit also serves as an office pod to complete an urgent job in comfort and privacy before your flight. You can book your accommodation at the Sleep ‘n Fly lounges here.
Dubai Connect
Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates has introduced a service for passengers transiting through Dubai Airport who have to wait longer to catch their flights for their forward journey. Called Dubai Connect, the service entitles travellers to complimentary hotel accommodation, transfers and a visa to enter the UAE.
To know more about the eligibility and booking details for Dubai Connect, refer to our article:
