UAE transit visa 2026: How to apply, 48- and 96-hour visa fees and requirements

Dubai: Dubai sits at the crossroads of hundreds of destinations, making it a popular stopover for travellers passing through Dubai's airports. If you have a few hours or days between flights, why not step out and explore the emirate before moving on to your final destination? The UAE makes it easy, thanks to its transit visa options. Here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for transit visa, its duration and related costs. What is a transit visa? A transit visa allows foreign travellers who are transiting through the UAE’s airports to enter the country as a visitor and stay for a limited duration. This type of visa is vastly different from a tourist visa . The transit visa is a single-entry visa, valid for entry within 30 days of its issuance, and is not extendable. According to UAE’s laws, you can select from one of two durations for transit visas – either 48 hours or 96 hours from the moment your visa is stamped at the immigration counter at the airport. Do I need to apply for a transit visa? Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer, confirmed that travellers need to apply for a transit visa in advance if they are not GCC citizens, and if they are not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival in the UAE. Check if your nationality is part of the country’s visa-on-arrival programme. If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply for a transit visa in advance to enter or stay in Dubai or any other emirate during your transit. You can apply through a UAE-based airline, which directs your application to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), or if you’re travelling through Dubai, you can apply directly via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA). Documents needed Since you are applying for a transit visa, it is presumed you are a temporary visitor and will continue with an onward journey once your stay is over. Dayani said: “You will need to show proof of your temporary stay, with a valid hotel booking, and a confirmed air ticket for your onward flight with a clear final destination.” Here are all the documents you will need at the time of application: Passport with a minimum validity of six months. Passport photograph against a white background. Valid hotel reservation in the UAE or the local address of family/friends, with whom you are staying. Confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination, different from where you flew in from. How to apply for a transit visa You can apply for a transit visa online through the two tracks available to you – through a UAE-based airline, or through the GDRFA portal. Here are the steps to apply. Apply through a UAE-based airline Visit a UAE-based airline’s website, such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai or Air Arabia. Book your flight tickets, as usual. When applying, you will be prompted to add an optional facility: ‘Apply for transit visa’. Ensure that you are applying for a transit visa from the same airline with which you are travelling. Dayani confirmed that visas from other aircraft carriers, unrelated to your flight or itinerary, will not be accepted by the authorities. Select your transit visa duration – 48 hours or 96 hours. Pay the fees. The visa will be issued to you by the airline, electronically, via email. Fee : The cost differs depending on whether you book directly through airline websites or via third-party agencies, like travel agents. 48-hour visa: Ranging from Dh55 to Dh490 96-hour visa: Ranging from Dh216 to Dh490 Apply through the GDRFA portal Alternatively, you can apply for a transit visa directly from the GDRFA. However, before doing so, ensure you have already booked your flight tickets, which clearly show the onward journey out of Dubai. Follow these steps: Visit GDRFA’s website, gdrfad.gov.ae. Select ‘Services’ and navigate to ‘Entry and Exit’. Next, click on ‘Issuing Visa via Land, Sea port, Airport’, and select ‘Issuance of a 48/96-hour Transit Visa’. Click on ‘Start Service’. Fill in the application form with your passport information and other personal details. Upload the documents: your passport copy, photograph, flight ticket and hotel reservation. Pay the fees. Once approved, the transit visa will be sent to your email. Fees : 48-hour visa: Free, although administrative charges may apply 96-hour visa: Dh120