If you’re stopping in the UAE for a long-haul trip, you might want to get out of the airport and go exploring. Applying for a transit visa is a simple method to do so whether you’re arriving in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah.
It’s worth noting that transit visas are only available through UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved prior to entering the country.
If you’re interested in applying for one, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Do you need a transit visa?
It’s a good idea to see if you need a transit visa in the first place. According to the UAE’s official government webpage, u.ae, citizens of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and over 50 other countries are eligible for a visa on arrival.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai maintains a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russia
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Vatican
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Additionally, Indian citizens that are holders of:
- A visit visa issued by the USA or
- A green card issued by the USA or
- A residence visa issued by the UK or
- A residence visa issued by the European Union
Can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 14 days if the visa or green card from the list above is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.
Types of transit visas for the UAE
You will need to apply for a transit visa if you do not fit into one of the categories listed above.
There two types of transit visas are:
- Transit visas for 48 hours
- Transit visas for 96 hours
Transit visas for 48 hours
Passengers passing through the UAE’s airports are awarded free 48-hour transit permits, according to u.ae. You must apply for the visa in advance through an airline based in the UAE. This visa isn’t renewed or extendable. The visa is valid for 48 hours from the time of entry into the UAE, and you must depart within 48 hours of arrival.
Transit visas for 96 hours
A transit visa for 96 hours is available for a cost of Dh50 to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports if you want to stay a little longer.
You must apply for the visa in advance, just like the 48-hour transit visa, through a UAE-based airline. This visa isn’t renewed or extendable. The visa is valid for 96 hours from the time of admission into the UAE, and you must depart within that time frame.
A transit visa requires the following documents:
To obtain a transit visa, you must have the following documents:
- A passport or travel document with a three-month minimum validity period.
- A passport-sized photograph on a white backdrop is required.
- A reservation for a flight to a third destination other than the one from which you are departing.
How to apply for a transit visa?
Transit permits are issued by UAE-based airlines, as previously stated. The procedure, however, can be accomplished entirely online. Follow these procedures to apply for your transit visa:
- Complete your ticket bookings.
- Go to the airline’s website and make your ticket booking.
- Select ‘Apply for transit visa’ from the drop-down menu. It is essential that you apply for a transit visa with the same airline that you will be traveling, as itineraries that contain flights with other airlines may be rejected. In addition, the itinerary into and out of the UAE airport should be on a single ticket (PNR), and the stay in the UAE should be limited to the period of the visa.
- Once you have paid for your transit visa, the airlines will issue it to you.
If you booked your trip through a travel agency, they can also assist you in obtaining a visa, however, all visas are processed through the airline.
Departure fee
Each traveler going through the UAE’s airports is charged a Dh30 departure fee, according to u.ae.