Being one of the most modern cities in the world, Dubai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, iconic architecture, and luxurious lifestyle. From the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the futuristic Metropolis Mall of the Emirates, Dubai has many must-see attractions to explore. These impressive landmarks have made the beautiful city a dynamic destination for travellers from all around the world.
If your journey involves having a stopover in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) before heading to a third destination, you will need to apply for a UAE Transit Visa. In simple terms, a transit visa allows an individual to transition through a country (Dubai) before heading to another destination and can show enough proof of such travel plans by presenting valid airline tickets for the onward journey.
The UAE currently offers two types of transit visas: one with a validity of up to 48 hours that is free of charge; and another with a validity of 96 hours that costs AED 50. It should be known that transit visas are sponsored only by UAE-based airlines, such as Etihad Airways and Emirates, and must be processed before you enter the UAE. Additionally, the above-mentioned transit visas are neither extendable nor renewable.
What are the Eligibility and Requirements?
Any person who is visiting Dubai and is not eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE will be required to apply for a transit visa. If you are travelling via the UAE-based airlines mentioned beforehand, then your transit visa will be arranged before your journey. Alternatively, if you are planning your trip through a travel agency, then the agency will be able to arrange the visa, which will be further routed through the airline company you will be using for your travel.
Since transit visas are provided for 48 or 96 hours, the requirements will vary depending on the time frame. Once a transit visa is issued for 48 hours, the same cannot be extended to 96 hours. The validity of the transit visa will be 48 or 96 hours from the time of entry into the UAE, and the applicant must leave the UAE within the stipulated period.
The requirements for obtaining a transit visa are as follows: the travel document or passport of the applicant having a minimum validity of three months (in the case of a 48-hour transit visa) or six months (in the case of a 96-hour transit visa), the self-photo of the applicant on a white background where the photograph size will be 6×6cm (at least 600×600 pixels, JPEG format, and under 1 MB size), and 80 per cent of the applicant’s face should be visible, and the onward ticket booking to the third destination (apart from the destination from where you are arriving).
Besides the aforementioned requirements, children must submit a birth certificate, in Arabic or English. And for translated documents, an attestation on the front page is a must. On the other hand, dependents below the age of 18 and above the age of 60 (children or spouses) must submit supporting documents that prove the relationship status (birth or marriage certificates).
There will be no fee or additional amounts imposed by any local, federal, or private entity besides what has been discussed . However, a departure fee of AED 30 will be charged to every passenger who is passing through the UAE’s airports.
What is the Processing Time?
An applicant can expect his or her transit visa to be processed within 3 to 4 days after submission of the application. After the issuance of a transit visa, the same must be used within 14 days.
Steps to Apply For Dubai Transit Visa Online
If you are looking to apply for a Dubai Transit Visa online, then you can do so online through the website of Etihad Airways or Emirates. For steps to apply through Etihad Airways, follow the section below..
- Start the transit visa application process by heading over to the official website here.
- On the landing page, you will have the option to choose between a transit visa for 48 or 96 hours. Select the option that fits your preferences.
- A new web page will open where you will have to provide your trip information, such as the name of your Emirate, arrival port, starting destination, flight number, arrival date, and email address.
- In the subsequent step, you need to provide your personal information, such as your name, nationality, date of birth, birth country, marital status, mother’s name, qualifications, passport information, etc.
- Once done, you need to provide your address information and then attach or upload all the required supporting documents online.
- After that, you will have the chance to review your application and then proceed to pay the application fees.
Do keep in mind that the online payment methods include debit and credit cards from major vendors such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express, eWallet payment options such as PayPal and Visa Checkout, and real-time bank transfers.
For any additional queries, you can get in touch with the Etihad Airways customer care department at +971 (0) 56 677 0326 or visaonarrival@etihad.ae. Offices are open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM (UAE time). If applying through Emirates, you can call +971600555555 or write to ekvisaquery@emirates.com.
