Uae Transit Visa; fees, duration, how to apply, and more

Let’s assume that you are traveling from one country to another and transiting through one of the United Arab Emirates’ airports. In this case, you will need a UAE transit visa but luckily it is a straightforward process.  Who can get a UAE stopover visa? How will international travelers apply for this kind of visa? The eligibility, fees, which countries are allowed to have this type of visa and all you need to know. Here is your ultimate guide to get a Uae transit visa.

What is a UAE transit visa?

A UAE transit visa is a single or multiple entry visa that allows passengers through the United Arab Emirates airport to stay in the country for several hours. The UAE issues two types of entry visas and each one has its fee, duration and requirements. We must mention that only the UAE based airline you are travelling through can organize your transit visa before your trip. On one hand, there are certain nationalities which are exempted from transit visa and allowed to stay in dubai, abu dhabi or any other emirate for days or specific periods of time. On the other hand, there are countries which cannot even apply for this visa depending on your nationality.

UAE transit visa types and costs

As we mentioned before, there are two types of transit visas issued by the UAE government. They are not extendable and of course transit visa is valid for specific period of time. Here is UAE transit visa cost:

• 48 hours UAE transit visa/ free of charge.
• 96 hour transit visa/ AED 50.

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How to know if you need a UAE transit visa?

You will absolutely need UAE transit visa, if:

• Your passport is not on the UAE visa on arrival or a visa-free entrance list.
• Citizens who are not from the countries which are exempted from that UAE tourist visa.
• Your next flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours.

UAE transit visa countries

The eligibility of applying for a UAE transit visa depends on many factors. For example, The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries are exempt from UAE transit visa. This means that any traveler hold the passport of the countries below can stopover in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the rest of the emirates before reaching his third destination by only show off your ID. Here are top 4 Arabic countries that don’t need it:

• Saudi Arabia.
• Kuwait.
• Oman.
• Bahrain.

Nationalities who cannot obtain Uae transit visa

The United Arab Emirates has prohibited citizens of many nations from obtaining a transit visa. The following countries are not allowed to apply for this type of visas in Uae:

• Afghanistan.
• Somalia.
• Iraq.
• Yemen.

180 days entry without Uae transit visa

According to rules established by the UAE government, EU member states (except the UK and Ireland) can enter the United Arab Emirates without a transit visa for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. If you are from the following countries then this privilege is for you:

90 days entry without Uae transit visa

Specific nationalities that hold passport of the following countries are allowed to enter dubai, abu dhabi and the rest of the emirates for up to 90 days without visa:

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How to apply for a UAE transit visa

After we get to know all the details about the UAE transit visa, let’s explore together how passengers transiting through the UAE can apply for this visa. You can apply for a UAE transit visa only via a travel agency or a UAE based-airlines. If your travel is through a travel agency, the agency can help you to get the visa. However, you should keep in mind that all visas are routed through the airline. Luckily by the help of the agency you can apply for UAE transit visa online through one of the following means:

• The ICA UAE eChannels app for Android and Apple.
• The eChannels portal.
• Online channels of each emirate offered by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

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UAE transit visa requirements

The following documents are needed for UAE transit visa application:

Travel document or original passport with a minimum validity up to six months from the date of travel.

• Passport-size photographs of self against white background.
• Tickets for the next flight.
• Proof of residence of confirmed hotel booking if your transit is longer than 24 hours.

In conclusion, getting a UAE transit visa is such a simple process with few requirements needed. And never forget that UAE’ airports have a lot of fabulous things to do while you are transiting through. So don’ miss the chance to enjoy every detail of your trip.