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2 ways to enter

United Arab Emirates visas

United Arab Emirates transit visa

Eligible passengers can obtain a transit visa at the airport and enter the UAE for up to 96 hours. The gap between flights must be more than 8 hours.

Ways to get a United Arab Emirates transit visa

  1. Airport transit visa

    Visa on arrival

    Passengers on international airlines with more than 8 hours between flights, onward travel to a third destination and a hotel booking, subject to nationality restrictions.

    Stay
    Up to 96 hours.
    Fee
    No entry fee for the first 48 hours; AED 50 to extend up to 96 hours.
    1. Check your connection meets the flight and destination rules.
    2. Have a hotel booking.
    3. Obtain the transit visa at the airport.

  2. Airport-only transit for South Sudanese business passport holders

    Transit without a visa

    Citizens of South Sudan holding a business passport may transit through the airport without entering the UAE.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Connecting passengers who want to enter the UAE using the transit visa route need this visa.

Changing planes

Leaving the airport
To enter during a stopover under this route, obtain a transit visa at the airport. Your flights must be more than 8 hours apart, you must continue to a third destination, and you must have a hotel booking.
Longest transit
96 hours
Transit without a visa
General rules for staying in the airport without entering the country are not stated. South Sudanese business passport holders may transit without entering the UAE. Iranian citizens are refused transit even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.

How to apply

  1. Check that your flights are more than 8 hours apart and continue to a third destination.
  2. Have a hotel booking.
  3. Obtain the transit visa at the airport.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months, or 3 months if you hold a residence permit.
  • Hotel booking.

Good to know

  • The gap between flights must be more than 8 hours.
  • You must continue to a third destination.
  • You must have a hotel booking.
  • This transit visa route is not available to citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, Syria, Somalia or Yemen.
  • Iranian citizens are refused entry and transit.
  • Passengers on all international airlines can use this route if eligible.
  • South Sudanese business passport holders may remain in the airport transit area but cannot enter the UAE.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates?

Connecting passengers who want to enter the UAE using the transit visa route need this visa.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates?

There are 2 options: Airport transit visa (a visa at the border); Airport-only transit for South Sudanese business passport holders (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a the United Arab Emirates transit visa?

Up to 96 hours.

How much does a the United Arab Emirates transit visa cost?

No entry fee for the first 48 hours. Extending the stay up to 96 hours costs AED 50.

What documents do I need for a the United Arab Emirates transit visa?

Passport valid for at least 6 months, or 3 months if you hold a residence permit.; Hotel booking..

How do I apply for a the United Arab Emirates transit visa?

1. 1. Check that your flights are more than 8 hours apart and continue to a third destination. 2. 2. Have a hotel booking. 3. 3. Obtain the transit visa at the airport.

How long can I stay in transit in the United Arab Emirates?

Up to 96 hours, if you meet the conditions. General rules for staying in the airport without entering the country are not stated. South Sudanese business passport holders may transit without entering the UAE. Iranian citizens are refused transit even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.

What rules do I have to follow on a the United Arab Emirates transit visa?

The gap between flights must be more than 8 hours. You must continue to a third destination. You must have a hotel booking. This transit visa route is not available to citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, Syria, Somalia or Yemen.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the United Arab Emirates visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

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