UAE Transit Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about UAE transit visas 48-hour and 96-hour options, airline sponsorship, eligibility requirements, costs, and how to explore Dubai or Abu Dhabi during your layover.

Quick Answer: What Are UAE Transit Visa Options in 2026? The UAE offers two transit visa options for travelers connecting through UAE airports who wish to leave the airport: a 48-hour transit visa (free) and a 96-hour transit visa (AED 50). Both require sponsorship by a UAE-based airline and must be arranged before travel. Transit visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and cannot be extended. Travelers from 70+ nationalities eligible for a visa-on-arrival do not need a transit visa and can simply use their standard entry privilege. Transit visas cannot be upgraded from 48 to 96 hours once issued.

Introduction to UAE Transit Visas

The UAE transit visa enables travelers connecting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports to leave the airport and explore the Emirates during their layover. Unlike remaining airside in the transit area, a transit visa permits passport holders to clear immigration, exit the airport, visit attractions, stay at hotels, and experience UAE hospitality before continuing their journey.

Transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines operating the connecting flights. The two available options—48-hour and 96-hour durations—cater to different layover lengths, with the 48-hour option available free of charge and the 96-hour option requiring a nominal fee. Both visas must be arranged in advance of travel and cannot be obtained upon arrival.

The comprehensive guide explains the application process, including typical processing times, so that travelers can plan their UAE stopover accordingly.

Do You Need a Transit Visa?

Many travelers from 70+ countries eligible for visa-on-arrival can confidently use their standard entry privilege, making transit planning straightforward and stress-free.

Countries Eligible for Visa-on-Arrival (No Transit Visa Needed)

The following nationalities receive automatic entry stamps and do not require transit visas:

• European Union member states (all 27 countries)
• United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei
• Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico
• Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan
• South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles
• Hong Kong, Macau (SAR passport holders)
• Most Caribbean nations

View Complete Visa-Free Countries List →

Tip: If you hold a passport from a visa-on-arrival country, skip the transit visa application entirely. Simply proceed through immigration upon arrival and enjoy your layover using your standard entry privilege.

Transit Visa Types Comparison

The UAE offers two transit visa durations. Choosing between them depends on your layover length and planned activities. Both visas serve the same purpose—enabling airport exit during a connection—but differ in duration and cost.

48-Hour Transit Visa Requirements

The 48-hour transit visa is the free option for travelers with shorter layovers. This visa permits 48 hours in the UAE from the moment of entry, providing sufficient time for a city tour, a meal, or a brief rest at a hotel before continuing your journey.

Eligibility Criteria

• Confirmed onward flight departing within 48 hours of arrival
• Both arriving and departing flights operated by or code-shared with the sponsoring UAE airline
• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the date of entry
• The passport must not be damaged or defaced
• Not a national of countries under travel restrictions
• No previous UAE visa violations or immigration issues

Required documentation:

• Valid passport (color scan of bio-data page)
• Passport-sized photograph with white background
• Confirmed flight itinerary showing arrival and departure
• Proof of onward travel (ticket or booking confirmation)
• Hotel reservation (if staying overnight)
• Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)

48-Hour Visa Limitations

96-Hour Transit Visa Requirements

The 96-hour transit visa provides four full days in the UAE, ideal for travelers with more extended layovers or those specifically routing through the UAE to explore Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The nominal AED 50 fee makes this an affordable option for extended stopovers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Confirmed onward flight departing within 96 hours of arrival
• Both arriving and departing flights operated by or code-shared with the sponsoring UAE airline
• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the date of entry
• The passport must not be damaged or defaced
• Not a national of countries under travel restrictions
• No previous UAE visa violations or immigration issues
• Payment of the AED 50 visa fee

Required documentation:

• Valid passport (color scan of bio-data page)
• Passport-sized photograph with white background
• Confirmed flight itinerary showing arrival and departure within 96 hours
• Proof of onward travel (ticket or booking confirmation)
• Hotel reservation (recommended for overnight stays)
• Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
• Payment confirmation for the AED 50 visa fee

Transit visas require sponsorship by a UAE-based airline, such as Emirates or Etihad, with Applications submitted via their official websites or booking portals.

Transit visas require sponsorship by a UAE-based airline. The airline assumes responsibility for the traveler during the stopover in the UAE. Applications are submitted through the airline’s website or booking portal, not directly to the UAE immigration visa.

Airlines Offering Transit Visa Sponsorship

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Book connecting flights: Ensure both arriving and departing flights are with the same UAE airline or code-share partners.
2. Access airline portal: Visit the airline’s website and navigate to the visa services or transit visa section.
3. Complete application form: Enter passport details, travel dates, and contact information.
4. Upload documents: Submit passport scan, photograph, and flight itinerary.
5. Pay fees (96-hour only): Complete payment of AED 50 for a 96-hour visa; a 48-hour visa is free.
6. Receive confirmation: Visa approval typically within 24-72 hours via email.
7. Print visa: Carry a printed copy of the visa approval for immigration clearance.
8. Present at immigration: Show printed visa and passport at the UAE immigration upon arrival.

Processing Times

Important: Apply at least 4-7 days before travel to allow processing time. Last-minute applications may not be processed in time, particularly during peak travel seasons (December-January, July-August).

Transit Visa Costs and Fees

Transit visa fees are minimal compared to other UAE visa categories. The 48-hour option is entirely free, while the 96-hour visa requires only a nominal fee.

Note: Some airlines may charge nominal service fees for visa processing. Emirates typically includes transit visa processing at no additional charge for eligible passengers. Always check with your specific airline for current fee structures.

UAE Airports for Transit

The UAE has three major international airports serving transit passengers. Each offers world-class facilities, both airside (no visa required) and landside (a transit visa is required to access).

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

The world’s busiest international airport and Emirates’ hub. Terminal 3 is dedicated to Emirates operations, while Terminal 1 serves other international carriers. Key features:

• 24-hour metro connection to the city center (Red Line)
• Duty-free shopping is recognized among the world’s best
• Multiple hotels within walking distance of terminals
• Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, 20 minutes by metro
• Beach access at JBR is within a 30-minute taxi ride

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Etihad Airways’ hub featuring the new Midfield Terminal (opened 2023). Key features:

• New terminal among world’s most architecturally striking
• Direct bus service to the city center and major attractions
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is 25 minutes by taxi
• Ferrari World and Yas Island are 15 minutes by taxi
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, 20 minutes by taxi

What to Do During Your UAE Layover

A UAE transit visa transforms a routine airport connection into an opportunity to experience world-class attractions, dining, and hospitality. The following suggestions are organized by layover duration.

Top Attractions Accessible During Layover

• Burj Khalifa: World’s tallest building with observation decks (book in advance)
• Dubai Mall: Largest shopping mall with aquarium, ice rink, and dining
• Dubai Fountain: Spectacular water show every 30 minutes after sunset
• Palm Jumeirah: Iconic artificial island with Atlantis resort
• Old Dubai: Historic Al Fahidi district, spice and gold souks
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: World-class art museum on Saadiyat Island
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Stunning architecture, free tours available
• Ferrari World: World’s fastest roller coaster on Yas Island

Transit Visa Rules and Restrictions

Transit visa holders must adhere to specific rules during their stay in the UAE. Violations can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans.

Additional important rules:

• Visa validity begins at issuance, not entry: Enter within 30 days of visa issuance
• Duration begins at immigration: 48/96 hours starts when the passport is stamped, not when the flight lands
• Both flights must be confirmed: Speculative onward travel is not accepted
• Same airline required: Both legs must be with the sponsoring airline or code-share partners
• No grace period: Unlike tourist visas, transit visas have zero grace period for overstay

Overstay Penalties for Transit Visas

Transit visa overstays are treated seriously by UAE immigration authorities. Unlike tourist visas, there is no grace period—fines begin immediately after the 48 or 96-hour window expires.

If you anticipate missing your departure flight due to circumstances beyond your control (illness, flight cancellation), contact the airline immediately. Airlines can sometimes assist with rebooking or visa extensions in genuine emergencies. Do not attempt to overstay intentionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Resources and Links

Apply for transit visas and verify requirements through official airline portals:

Contact information:

1. Emirates Customer Service: +971 600 555 555
2. Etihad Guest Service: +971 600 508 080
3. ICP Toll-Free: 600 522 222
4. Dubai Airports: +971 4 224 5555

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects regulations in effect as of January 2026. Transit visa requirements may vary by nationality and airline. Always verify current requirements through your airline and official UAE government portals (u.ae, icp.gov.ae) before travel. Processing times and fees are subject to change. This content does not constitute legal or immigration advice.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Sources: Emirates, Etihad Airways, ICP, UAE Government Portal (u.ae)