48 Hours Transit Visa

Are you planning to travel through Dubai? Fortunately, you can explore the city conveniently using the 48-hour transit visa. Since you only have a 48-hour layover, you should make the most of your time in this tourist-friendly city.

Even for someone with a brief stay, this city will impress with its iconic architecture and rich cultural diversity. This comprehensive blog is here to help you understand the ins and outs of a transit visa, its types, and the requirements if you wish to apply.

Dubai Transit Visa & Its Types

A Dubai Transit Visa allows travelers to enter Dubai and stay for a limited period while they wait for a connecting flight to another destination. It's perfect if you have a layover in Dubai that's longer than just switching planes. It has two main types.

a. 48-Hour Transit Visa

This free visa allows you to stay in the UAE for no more than 48 hours after you enter the country. It's designed for layovers, allowing you to explore Dubai or another UAE city briefly before continuing your journey to your final destination.

b. 96-Hour Transit Visa

This visa costs AED 50 (around USD 13-14) and allows you to stay in the UAE for a maximum of 96 hours after you enter the country. It's a good option if you have a more extended layover and want to explore more of the UAE.

Overview of 48 Hours Transit Visa

As discussed earlier, a 48-hour Dubai Transit Visa is a free visa that allows you to stay in Dubai for a maximum of 48 hours after you enter the country. It's designed for layovers, allowing you to explore Dubai briefly before continuing your journey to your final destination. It is a single-entry visa, meaning you cannot leave Dubai and re-enter using the same visa. The visa is not extendable; however, if you have a more extended layover, you might be eligible for a 96-hour Dubai Transit Visa, which also requires applying beforehand.

How to Apply for a 48 Hours Transit Visa?

You cannot apply directly for a 48-hour Dubai Transit Visa through a UAE embassy or online portals. Here's how you can obtain one:

a. Apply through your UAE-based airline

Airlines like Emirates and Etihad offer the option to arrange a 48-hour Transit Visa during the flight ticket booking process. They will handle the application on your behalf.

b. Use a travel agency

Some travel agencies can assist with obtaining a 48-hour Transit Visa. They will likely charge a service fee for this service.

Requirements for 48 Hours Transit Visa

Valid passport.
Passport-size photographs.
Visa application form.
Flight details and hotel reservations.
Travel insurance.
A copy of the visa for the third country.
A copy of your entry and exit tickets.
Proof of residence.
Birth certificates for children below 18.
Visa fee.

Cost of 48 hours Dubai Transit Visa

The excellent news for travelers is that the 48 hour Transit Visa is free. You won't have to worry about any government fees associated with this visa. However, processing fees could be involved depending on your application method.

If you apply through your airline or a travel agency, they might impose service fees for handling the application. Additionally, a separate departure fee of AED 30 applies to all passengers transiting UAE airports, irrespective of the visa type.

Who Can Sponsor My Dubai Transit Visa?

Only your UAE-based airline can sponsor you if you require a transit visa to Dubai/UAE. They are responsible for obtaining your transit visa from the relevant visa-issuing authorities in the UAE. So, you know you'll be stopping in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another emirate on your way to a third destination. In that case, you should contact the travel agencies to obtain your transit visa.

Duration and Validity Of 48-Hour Dubai Visa

You can apply for the visa up to 14 days before your travel date, but it only allows you to stay in Dubai for 48 hours after you enter the UAE. No extension or renewal is allowed.

48 Hour Transit Visa Terms & Conditions

When applying, you must pay the visa application fee.
There are extra costs associated with visa processing.
The passenger must take an Emirates or codeshare flight to and from Dubai.
Visa fees are not refundable.
Processing time of a 48 hours transit visa typically takes three to four business days.

Conclusion

Obtaining a stopover visa for the UAE is straightforward. Travelers passing through Dubai's UAE airports are provided with a 48 hour transit visa. Qualified applicants must request the visa in advance through UAE travel agencies.

With a 48 hour transit visa Dubai, you can take full advantage of your brief stop and explore the wonders of Dubai. This city offers impressive shopping places and masterpieces of architecture to suit every taste. Make reasonable travel plans, stick to the application process, and get ready to discover Dubai's captivating attractions and sights quickly.

Is it Possible to Extend the Dubai Transit Visa?

There is no extension option for both 48-hour and 96-hour Dubai visas.
What is the maximum duration for staying in Dubai without a transit visa? Citizens of some countries can stay visa-free for 30 days (e.g., USA, Canada). While others get 90 days (e.g., France Germany).

How long does it take to get 48 hour transit visa for UAE?

The processing time for the 48 hour Dubai transit visa is usually 4 to 4 working days. Applicants should ensure all the documents and requirements are error-free for faster processing time.

What does the 24-hour visa-free transit entail?

As of 2024, there is no 24-hour visa-free transit option in Dubai.