BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind My Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind My Visa
BorderProof

Helping you navigate the complex world of global mobility.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
Transit Visa - 48 Hours
VisasUnited Arab EmiratesTransit Visa - 48 Hours
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Transit Visa - 48 Hours

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

0-1 day

Application Fee

50 AED

Stay Duration

2 days

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Free 48-hour transit visa for passengers transiting through UAE airports. Allows short stopover during layover without leaving the airport.

The 48-hour transit visa was created to accommodate the high volume of international travelers passing through major UAE aviation hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It fills the gap for passengers who have layovers long enough to justify leaving the airport but whose nationalities do not qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival. By allowing a short-term, single-entry permit, the UAE encourages transit passengers to explore the country's tourism and leisure attractions, effectively turning a simple stopover into a brief, value-added visit.

This visa is ideal for travelers with confirmed onward tickets to a third destination who wish to exit the airport terminal. It is distinctive for its simplicity and speed, often sponsored by UAE-based airlines. To qualify, passengers must hold a confirmed flight ticket for a third destination and ensure their transit time justifies clearing immigration. It is a strictly time-bound, non-extendable permit, making it perfect for short-term visitors who want to experience the local culture during their brief stay.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 days

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination.

Must have a passport valid for at least three to six months.

Must be transiting through a UAE airport (e.g., Dubai or Abu Dhabi).

Must intend to leave the airport terminal during the layover.

Not eligible for those who qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Clear scanned copy of the passport.

Recent passport-sized photograph.

Confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination.

Hotel booking or accommodation details (if staying outside the airport).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows transit passengers to exit the airport and explore the UAE.
  • Ideal for short layovers to visit tourist attractions or attend meetings.
  • Fast processing time compared to standard visit visas.

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly valid for 48 hours from the time of entry; overstaying results in penalties.
  • Non-extendable and cannot be converted to another visa type.
  • Must be applied for in advance; cannot be obtained at the airport for most nationalities.
  • Validity of the visa for entry is usually 30 days from the date of issue.

Application Process

1

Check if your nationality requires a pre-arranged transit visa.

2

Apply online through the airline (e.g., Emirates, Etihad) or the official UAE visa portal.

3

Submit passport details, flight itinerary, and required documents.

4

Pay any applicable processing fees (if not covered by the airline).

5

Receive the e-visa via email and print it for presentation at immigration.

Application Forms

Transit Visa Application—

Ready to see if the Transit Visa - 48 Hours is your path?

Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Check Eligibility