Stopping over? Here’s how to apply for a UAE transit visa
Considering adding a short stopover in the UAE to your trip itinerary? You might need to obtain a visa if you are transiting through any of the emirates’ airports to a third destination. The good news is that getting a UAE stopover visa is a straightforward process. Let’s look at how international travellers can apply for a UAE transit visa, the eligibility criteria, what documents are required and more.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED A TRANSIT VISA?
You will need a transit visa, if:
- You don’t have a passport of a country, which is on the UAE visa on arrival or a visa-free entrance list. (You can visit the official website to check if you’re eligible for a visa on arrival or not).
- You are not a citizen of the countries (GCC region) exempted from that UAE Tourist Visas.
- Your onward flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours
DURATION OF THE UAE TRANSIT VISA
The UAE issues two types of single entry transit visas, visas issued for 48 and 96 hours. You have to apply for a visa prior to your arrival in the country. Note that both 48-hour and 96-hour visas expire within 30 days of issue. Moreover, both visas cannot be extended once issued.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A UAE TRANSIT VISA
You can apply for a UAE transit visa only through a UAE-based airline. One can seek help from a travel agency. However, even if you are hiring a travel agent for the process, all visas are routed through the airline. Remember that the visa needs to be processed and approved before you enter the UAE. Following are the modes through which airline agents can apply for visas online:
- ICA UAE eChannels app
- eChannels portal
- Online portals of each emirate’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
You need these documents for the application:
- Original passport (valid up to six months from the date of travel) and coloured copies
- Confirmed tickets for the next flight
- Passport-size photographs against a white background.
In addition to this, if your transit is longer than 24 hours, you will need to provide your confirmed hotel booking or proof of residence in case you are staying with a friend or relative.
Hence, your job is to provide all the documents to the airline representative who can obtain a visa for you.
COST OF THE TRANSIT VISA IN THE UAE
Here are the details of the transit visa fee in the UAE:
- 48-Hour Transit Visa: Free of charge
- UAE 96-Hour Visa: AED 50
Also, you will have to pay a departure fee of AED 30. There is no additional UAE transit visa cost.
AIRLINES COST
You can apply via Etihad or Emirates Airline.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
For a 48-Hour Transit Visa, the charges would be AED 37. Whereas, for the 96-Hour Transit Visa, you would have to pay AED 206.
EMIRATES AIRLINES
Similarly, the fee of 48-Hour Transit Visa is AED 37. For the 4-day Transit Visa, the cost is AED 180. For details about Emirates transit visa, the visit the official website.
Both the 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas are non-extendable and non-renewable. You must make a UAE transit visa application each time you stop in the country.
FAQS ABOUT UAE TRANSIT VISA
WHICH COUNTRIES’ CITIZENS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A VISA ON ARRIVAL IN THE UAE?
UAE offers citizens of around 19 countries a 30-day visit visa facility, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand. Other countries like France, Germany and Italy can get a 90-day Dubai visa on arrival. Indian citizens with a normal passport and either a visit visa or a green card issued by the USA or a residence visa issued by the UK or EU can obtain a 14-day visa on arrival
Check out the full list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in our Dubai tourist visa guide.
IS A MEDICAL TEST REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS VISA?
There are no mandatory medical tests required to get a transit visa. However, it is always good to get a medical check-up before you travel internationally.
HOW TO APPLY FOR UAE TRANSIT VISA?
As discussed, you can apply for a transit visa of the UAE via airlines or a travel agent. For Abu Dhabi transit visa or Dubai transit visa, the process is the same, as the visa for one emirate is valid for the entire country.
IS TRANSIT VISA APPLICATION FEE REFUNDABLE IN THE UAE?
No, once the application has been submitted, the fee is non-refundable.
CAN A TRANSIT VISA BE CONVERTED TO A RESIDENCE VISA OR WORK PERMIT?
The transit visa for the UAE cannot be converted into a residence visa or work permit. These have to be applied separately.
WHAT IS THE TRANSIT VISA PROCESSING TIME?
The average processing time is three to four working days.
CAN INDIAN EXPATS RENEW THEIR PASSPORTS IN THE UAE?
Yes, Indian expats have a facility to apply for an Indian passport renewal in the UAE.
This concludes our guide on how to apply for a UAE transit visa. It is a fairly simple process and we hope that this guide helps you finalise your plans.
Airports in the UAE have numerous facilities to keep you occupied for hours on end if you decide to stay there for the duration of your stopover. There are many things to do at Dubai International Airport, including shopping and relaxing at the Zen Gardens. In fact, all major airports in the UAE have outstanding services.
