United Arab Emirates•AsiaTransit Visa - 48 Hours
At a Glance
0–1 days
Free
2 days
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in United Arab Emirates
Overview
Free 48-hour transit visa for passengers with confirmed onward flights exiting the airport during layovers.
The UAE 48-hour Transit Visa is a free permit for passengers with layovers long enough to leave the airport and explore the country. Available to those non-qualifying for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, it streamlines immigration processing while encouraging short-term tourism and business visits.
The visa grants 48 hours strictly, issued instantly or within hours via UAE airlines or the official portal. It is non-extendable and non-convertible, reserved for transiting passengers with confirmed onward tickets. Applicants typically receive processing within hours when applying through airline channels.
This visa is ideal for international transit passengers on layovers who want to explore the UAE without the formality of a standard visit visa.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 days |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination.
Must have a passport valid for at least three to six months.
Must be transiting through a UAE airport (e.g., Dubai or Abu Dhabi).
Must intend to leave the airport terminal during the layover.
Not qualifying for those who qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Clear scanned copy of the passport.
Recent passport-sized photograph.
Confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination.
Hotel booking or accommodation details (if staying outside the airport).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Completely free — no visa fee or processing charge
- Fast online processing — approved within hours for qualifying transit passengers
- Allows 48-hour stopover to explore UAE beyond airport terminal
- Available at major hubs: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other UAE airport gateways
- Simple online application through airline partners (Emirates, Etihad) or UAE portal
Worth Knowing
- Valid only 48 hours from entry — exceeding time incurs penalties
- Non-extendable and cannot convert to other visa types
- Must be applied for in advance through airline or portal; not available at airport walk-up
- Only for passengers with confirmed onward flight tickets to a third destination
- Non-qualifying if you qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry
- Limited to transit passengers non-qualifying for visa-free or visa-on-arrival status
- Non-extendable — strictly 48-hour validity with no exceptions
- No work authorization — employment strictly prohibited during stay
Application Process
Check if your nationality requires a pre-arranged transit visa.
Apply online through the airline (e.g., Emirates, Etihad) or the official UAE visa portal.
Submit passport details, flight itinerary, and required documents.
Pay any applicable processing fees (if not covered by the airline).
Receive the e-visa via email and print it for presentation at immigration.
Application Forms
| Transit Visa Application | — |
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Living in United Arab Emirates
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