Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)
Travellers connecting through a UAE airport who wish to leave the airport for a short stopover.
The Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) is a UAE visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~AED 0 (48h, often free) / ~AED 50-216 (96h)) and processing time (~1-3 working days), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) is for
Travellers connecting through a UAE airport who wish to leave the airport for a short stopover.
A transit visa is for a stopover only and gives no path to residence or citizenship.
Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) - eligibility criteria
- Confirmed onward ticket within 48 or 96 hours
- Sponsored by a UAE-based airline
- Valid passport with 3+ months validity
- Onward-destination visa where required
- Not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival
Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) (United Arab Emirates) is ~AED 0 (48h, often free) / ~AED 50-216 (96h), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 working days. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UAE Government (u.ae).
| Type | Transit |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via a UAE-based airline before travel |
| Length of stay | 48 hours or 96 hours |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | No study |
| Government fee | ~AED 0 (48h, often free) / ~AED 50-216 (96h) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 working days |
| Route to PR | A transit visa is for a stopover only and gives no path to residence or citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
A transit visa is for a stopover only and gives no path to residence or citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Tourist 30 · Tourist Visa (30 days, single entry), Visit · Visit Visa (sponsored by relative or host/company). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UAE route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) pitfalls we fix
Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) cost?
The Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) government fee is ~AED 0 (48h, often free) / ~AED 50-216 (96h). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying.
How long does the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 working days. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours) lead to permanent residence?
A transit visa is for a stopover only and gives no path to residence or citizenship.
Can I work on the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)?
Travellers connecting through a UAE airport who wish to leave the airport for a short stopover.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Arab Emirates government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UAE Government (u.ae) - official United Arab Emirates immigration authority