The United Arab Emirates is one of those countries that actively welcomes every new aspect, including technology, innovation, and, of course, tourism. While its capital, Dubai, captivates the most attention, you can travel to other famous emirates for an unforgettable vacation. To explore Dubai, you must avail yourself of a Dubai visa, and if your itinerary includes Dubai as a layover stop, you may need a Dubai transit visa.
So, we have curated a handy guide on Dubai transit visas, including requirements, types, status checks, and more.
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Do I Need A Transit Visa For Dubai?
You must obtain a Dubai transit visa if you are not from one of the nationalities eligible for the Dubai visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt program. Such a visa provides access to their onward flight from Dubai in the next 48 or 96 hours.
The Dubai transit visa is sponsored only by UAE-based airlines and must be applied for and approved before entering the UAE. Both the 48- and 96-hour transit visas are non-extendable. In the event of an overstay, it may result in a breach of immigration law under unfavourable circumstances.
Citizens of the below countries are exempt from a transit visa for Dubai.
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Somalia
- Yemen
These visitors are eligible for a 30- or 90-day visa-on-arrival for Dubai.
The nationals of GCC countries fall under visa-free entry and do not need other types of visas, entry permits, or sponsorships by a national or resident of the UAE to travel and stay in Dubai.
Dubai Transit Visa for 48 hours
The 48-hour Dubai transit visa is issued without the processing fee for holders transiting through Dubai. The applicants eligible for a 48-hour transit visa must apply in advance through a UAE-based airline. Once the Dubai transit visa for 48 hours is approved, it cannot be extended to 96 hours. It is a non-extendable and non-refundable visa.
A transit visa for 48 hours in Dubai is valid for 48 hours from the date of entry, and travellers with such a visa must depart the country within 48 hours of arrival.
Dubai Transit Visa For 96 Hours
The 96-hour Dubai transit visa is approved with a fee of AED 50 for passengers transiting through Dubai. The applicants must apply in advance to the UAE-based airlines for a Dubai transit visa for 96 hours. Such a visa is non-extendable and non-refundable.
A Dubai transit visa for 96 hours is valid for 96 hours from the date of entry, and the holder is required to leave the country within 96 hours of arrival.
Dubai Transit Visa Requirements
The requirements for a Dubai transit visa vary depending on the type of visa.
To avail of a Dubai transit visa, you must provide the following documents:
- For a 48-hour Dubai transit visa, your travel documents or original passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of issuance.
- For a 96-hour Dubai transit visa, your travel documents or original passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of issuance.
- A passport-size photograph recently clicked against a white background.
- A confirmed onward ticket booking to your final destination, other than the one from which you are departing.
How Do I Apply For A Dubai Transit Visa?
Dubai transit visas can be obtained by the UAE-based airlines you are travelling with. Usually, the airlines arrange your transit visa prior to the journey, and if you booked your trip via a travel agency, the agent will arrange it for you.
Dubai Transit Visa Status Check
You can check the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website for updates on your Dubai transit visa application.
- Visit the smart.gdrfad.gov.ae link.
- Enter your visa application number and reference or transaction number. When you apply for the visa, make sure to ask for your application and reference number to track the status.
- Enter the visa payment date.
- Tick the captcha box and submit.