United Arab Emirates•Asia

Open

Transit Visa - 48 Hours

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

0–1 days

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

2 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living

20% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryAED 126,000

Quality of Life

169/200

Full Country Guide

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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Verified Claims (2)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Fee Breakdown

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u.ae

Official Info

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/visit-visas/transit-visa