If you have travelled to another country, you know there are different visa types. Each country has its rules for transit visas, which are not the same everywhere. The Dubai transit visa lets travellers stay in the city for a short time during their trip. This Visa has two types: one for 48 hours and one for 96 hours. This article will explain how to get this Visa and what you need to know about it.
What is a Dubai Transit Visa?
A Dubai transit visa is a short visa for travellers who stop in Dubai for some time before their next flight. Instead of waiting at the airport, they can visit places, rest at a hotel, or enjoy the city. There are two types of transit visas: a 48-hour visa, which is free and lets travellers stay for two days, and a 96-hour visa, which costs money and lets them stay for four days. These visas cannot be extended, so if someone wants to stay longer, they need another type of Visa. People can get a transit visa from Emirates Airlines or approved travel agencies. It is essential to apply before coming to Dubai so everything is ready. This Visa is a good choice for travellers who want to use their layover time to see Dubai instead of waiting at the airport.
Dubai Transit Visa Requirements
Dubai has a big airport where many travellers stop before their final destination. Some people fly to Europe or other places that do not have direct flights, so they need to take connecting flights. This means their plane lands in one airport first, then they take another flight to their final stop.
There are two types of connecting flights. In an online flight, one airline gives both tickets. On an interline flight, two different airlines provide the tickets. If a traveller has a stop at Dubai Airport, they might need a transit visa. This Visa lets them stay in Dubai for a short time before their next flight.
A Dubai transit visa is excellent for people who want to see the city instead of waiting at the airport. However, the visa rules can be different depending on the traveller’s country and other things.
Types of Dubai Transit Visas
Dubai has a special visa for people who need to stop in the city for a short time before their next flight. This Visa is called a transit visa, and there are two types:
48-Hour Transit Visa
This Visa lets you stay in Dubai for up to 48 hours (2 days). You can leave the airport and visit the city, but after 48 hours, you must continue your journey. This Visa cannot be extended.
96-Hour Transit Visa
If the time between your flights is up to 96 hours (4 days), you can get this Visa. It lets you stay in Dubai for up to 4 days, but like the 48-hour Visa, it cannot be extended.
You can leave the airport and enjoy Dubai’s attractions with either of these visas. If your layover is less than 8 hours, you don’t need a visa but must stay inside the airport.
The transit visa will be given to you as a separate document. Only your entry and exit stamps will be added to your passport when you enter and leave Dubai. The Visa itself does not go into your passport, just the stamps.
Dubai Transit Visa Validity
A Dubai transit visa is valid for 14 days from the day it is issued. However, after you arrive in the UAE, the time you can stay depends on your visa type. You may get a visa for 48 hours or 96 hours.
If you stay longer than allowed, you must pay a fine. Also, you might have trouble getting a Dubai visa in the future.
Required Documents for a Transit Visa
If you want a 48-hour transit visa, you need to have:
- A passport or travel document is still valid for at least 3 months.
- One photo (size 3×4 cm – like a passport photo).
- A flight ticket that shows you are travelling to another country (not staying in Dubai).
The rules are almost the same if you need a 96-hour transit visa. But your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months.
How to Get a Dubai Transit Visa?
Getting a Dubai transit visa is simple. Just follow these steps:
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Check If You Can Get a Transit Visa
Before applying, meet the rules for a Dubai transit visa. This Visa is only for short stays when you are stopping in Dubai for a few hours or days before flying to another country.
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Apply for the Visa
You can apply through airlines or travel agencies. They will help you get the Visa.
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Prepare Your Documents
You need to show some documents when applying. These include:
- A valid passport
- A passport-size photo
- A confirmed flight ticket for your next destination
- A visa for your final destination (if needed)
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Pay the Visa Fee
Before getting your Visa, you must pay a fee. The price depends on your visa type.
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Wait for Your Visa
After applying, your Dubai transit visa will be ready in 1 to 3 business days.
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Travel to Dubai and
Use Your Visa
Once you arrive in Dubai, go through the transit gate and show your passport, Visa, and other documents to the immigration officer.
Which Countries Cannot Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa?
People from these five countries cannot apply for a Dubai transit visa:
Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, Yemen
Which Countries Can Enter the UAE Without a Transit Visa?
People from the countries below do not need a transit visa. They can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Nauru, Paraguay, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Seychelles
You may need a transit visa to enter Dubai if your country is not on these lists.
Who Needs to Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa?
If you are flying to Dubai and cannot get a visa when you arrive or are not allowed to enter without one, you will need to apply for a Dubai transit visa. This Visa is for people who must stay in Dubai for a short time before flying to another place. You can only get this Visa if your next flight from Dubai will be within 48 hours or 96 hours after you arrive. So, if you are waiting in Dubai for a few hours or a couple of days before your next flight and don’t have a visa, you must apply for this transit visa. Without it, you won’t be allowed to stay in Dubai during your stop. This special Visa will enable travellers to wait for their next flight and ensure they can only stay in Dubai temporarily.
Who Does Not Need a Dubai Transit Visa?
- People with a valid Schengen visa can travel in and out of Dubai without needing a transit visa as long as they stay within the allowed time.
- Flight crew members working on transit flights in Dubai do not need a transit visa.
- People with diplomatic passports do not need a transit visa either.
- Family members of European Union citizens who live in an EU country with a valid residence will not need a transit visa to pass through Dubai.
Dubai Transit Visa cost
Recently, the UAE has changed the cost of the transit visa. The 96-hour transit visa now costs more, but the 48-hour transit visa is still free. These changes were made because of new rules from the UAE government.
Travellers should know that anyone should take no extra charges, and there is also a fee for passengers when they leave the UAE airports.
