How to Get a UAE Transit Visa ExpatWoman.com
 

How to Get A UAE Transit Visa

Planning on transiting through the UAE any time soon? Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting a UAE transit visa

Posted on

26 September 2018

Last updated on 14 January 2020
UAE Transit Visa

If you’ve somehow found some time around your schedule to transit to Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a transit visa first.

While it’s optimal to visit Dubai for more than just a couple of hours, sometimes that’s all you’ve got and you still want to leave the airport, explore the city and make it back to your flight in time.

Usually you’re not allowed to leave the Dubai International Airport while transiting through, which is a shame if you’ve never been to the city – you’ll miss out on the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the fabulous beaches and sunshine.

But a recent decision by the Dubai Government does allow transiting passengers to explore and enjoy the city even if it’s just for a few hours.

The announcement of a new 48 hour transit visa has made so many tourists happy because they no longer just have the airport for entertainment but can enjoy a day or two out in the city.

Who can get a UAE transit visa?

If you’re an expat travelling through Dubai and already have a ticket to another destination other than your place of light origin – then you’re applicable for this visa type.

[Example: London (UK) > Dubai (UAE) > Amsterdam (Netherlands)]

Things to know about a UAE transit visa

There are a few requirements that your trip must include:

Your next departure time from a UAE airport needs to be at least 8 hours after you arrive here.

If you’re a citizen of a visa-free country approved by the UAE – you can obtain a 14, 30 or 90 day visa on arrival (depending on your nationality)

How can you get a UAE transit visa?

If you’re a citizen of a visa-free approved country, you can get a visit visa immediately upon your arrival to an airport in the UAE. Find out if you’re from an approved country here

However, approvals for transit visa can differ depending on each person, which is why it’s good to plan to get your transit visa ahead of time for the following reasons:

  • If you’re not from an approved visa-free country – you can get the transit visa only through the airline you’re travelling with.
  • You will need to have a hotel reservation confirmation with you if you’re planning on staying in the country for more than a few hours.
  • If you’re travelling with an agency – the travel agency can help you get a transit visa through the airline.
  • You must plan your trip before-hand because a transit visa is only valid for 14 days from the date of issue – so if you don’t use it, it will expire and you’ll have to apply for a new one.
  • Once you get an approval to exit the airport with your transit visa – you have up to 96 hours to explore the city and then must return back.
  • You will have to carry with you coloured passport copies, two photographs and some cash for the visa fee to submit once you arrive to the airport.
 
 

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