Quick answer: A Dubai transit visa lets layover passengers leave the airport for 48 or 96 hours. The 48-hour visa is free and the 96-hour visa costs AED 50 in government fees, though airlines may add service charges. Transit visas are arranged only through the UAE-based airline you’re flying with (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia), must be approved before you travel, and cannot be extended. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and accommodation details.
A long layover in Dubai doesn’t have to mean sitting in the airport. If your passport needs a visa to leave transit, a 48 or 96-hour transit visa turns a stopover into a mini trip.
Transit Visa Options at a Glance
| Duration | Government Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 48-hour | Free | Airline service charges may apply |
| 96-hour | AED 50 | Airline service charges may apply |
Both visas are single entry, valid from your entry into the UAE, and not extendable. A 48-hour visa can’t be upgraded to 96 hours after issue.
Who Needs a Transit Visa
You need one if you aren’t a GCC citizen and don’t qualify for UAE visa-free entry or visa on arrival. If your passport already grants entry on arrival, use that during your layover instead.
Documents Required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your transit date.
- Passport-style photo, white background.
- Confirmed onward flight to a third destination.
- Hotel booking or host details for your stay.
Get help with your transit visa →
How to Apply
- Book connecting flights with a UAE-based airline, as only airlines can sponsor transit visas.
- Request the transit visa through the airline or a travel agent that routes it via the airline.
- Choose 48 or 96 hours based on your layover.
- Upload documents and pay any fees.
- Receive your visa by email before you fly.
Start your transit visa application →
Making the Most of a Dubai Stopover
48 hours fits a city highlights tour: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and a short desert safari. 96 hours allows a dhow cruise, Old Dubai and a beach day. See our Dubai city tour guide → or build a custom stopover itinerary →
Turn Your Layover Into a Trip
A long stopover in Dubai is worth more than an airport lounge. Get a free stopover quote or browse Dubai experiences. Our consultants respond within 2 hours.
