UAE Transit Visa: 48 vs 96 Hours — Which One Do You Need?
Stopping in Dubai or Abu Dhabi between flights? Here's how to get a free or low-cost UAE transit visa for layovers up to 96 hours.
Got an Emirates or Etihad layover and want to leave the airport? You don't need a regular tourist visa — the UAE offers two cheaper transit-specific options: 48 hours (free) and 96 hours ($66). Here's how to choose.
48-hour transit visa — FREE
Validity: 48 hours from arrival.
Cost: free, but must be applied for through your airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai or Air Arabia).
Eligibility: confirmed onward flight with the same airline within 48 hours.
96-hour transit visa — $66
Validity: 96 hours (4 days) from arrival.
Cost: roughly $66, paid to the airline.
Perfect for a quick Dubai stopover with a desert safari and Burj Khalifa visit.
When to skip transit visa and get a tourist visa instead
If your stopover is over 4 days — apply for the 14-day tourist visa at $120 instead.
If you're flying with a non-UAE airline (e.g. Qatar, Lufthansa), you cannot get the transit visa and must apply for a tourist visa.
If you want flexibility to extend or change your flight.
Recommended visa pages
Jump to the exact page for your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in the airport instead of getting a transit visa?
Yes — Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) have lounges and sleep pods. No visa needed if you stay airside.
Does the 96-hour transit visa allow Abu Dhabi visits?
Yes, the visa covers all 7 emirates regardless of which airport you arrive at.
Get your UAE tourist visa in 24–72h
99.2% approval · Free re-apply if rejected · 24/7 human support
Start application