Last verified: 25 September 2026.
Transit visa fees for Dubai depend on the transit duration, application route, airline or visa channel, government charges and any applicable mediator or service fees. Travellers passing through Dubai can generally compare 48-hour and 96-hour transit visa options based on the length of their stopover and whether they need to leave the airport and enter the UAE.
A Dubai transit visa is intended for eligible travellers who are travelling onward to another destination and need permission to enter the UAE during their stopover. The exact requirements, fees and processing arrangements can vary depending on the application channel and traveller’s circumstances.visakendra
Table of Contents
- What Is a Dubai Transit Visa?
- 48-Hour and 96-Hour Transit Visas
- Transit Visa Fees for Dubai
- Who May Need a Dubai Transit Visa?
- Who Does Not Normally Need a Transit Visa?
- Documents Required
- How to Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa
- Dubai Transit Visa for Indian Travellers
- Dubai Transit Visa Processing Time
- 48-Hour vs 96-Hour Transit Visa
- Important Points Before Applying
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Dubai Transit Visa?
A Dubai transit visa is a short-duration UAE entry visa for eligible international travellers who are passing through Dubai and want to enter the UAE during their stopover before continuing to another country.
For example, a traveller may have a connecting flight through Dubai with several hours or days between flights. If the traveller needs to pass through immigration and enter Dubai during the stopover, a transit visa may be required depending on their nationality and existing UAE entry eligibility.
The transit visa is different from a standard Dubai tourist visa. It is specifically associated with an onward international journey and is intended for a limited transit period.
Travellers should check their individual eligibility before applying because visa requirements can depend on nationality, passport, itinerary, airline, onward destination and other circumstances.visakendra
48-Hour and 96-Hour Transit Visas
Dubai transit visa options are generally available for short stopovers of up to 48 hours or up to 96 hours.
The 48-hour option may be suitable for travellers with a shorter stopover who want to spend some time outside the airport before continuing their journey.
The 96-hour option provides a longer permitted stay and can be relevant when the connection requires more time in Dubai before the onward flight.
GDRFA currently provides a combined transit visa service covering stays not exceeding 48 or 96 hours.
The permitted duration is important because a transit visa should not be treated as an alternative to a regular tourist visa for an extended holiday.
Transit Visa Fees for Dubai
Transit visa fees for Dubai can vary depending on the application route and the charges included in the final amount.
GDRFA currently lists AED 50 plus mediator fees for the referenced transit visa service, with an expected completion time of 48 hours.
Airline-specific charges can be different. Emirates currently publishes US$10 for a 48-hour transit visa and US$49 for a 96-hour transit visa.
Travellers should therefore compare the final payable amount through the relevant application channel instead of assuming that one published fee applies to every route.
Dubai Transit Visa Fee at a Glance
| Transit Visa | Published Fee | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | Emirates: US$10 | Up to 48 hours |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | Emirates: US$49 | Up to 96 hours |
| GDRFA referenced service | AED 50 + mediator fees | 48/96-hour transit service |
Fees can change, and additional charges may apply depending on the application channel, mediator or service provider.
For this reason, travellers should confirm the final price before making payment.
Who May Need a Dubai Transit Visa?
A traveller may need a Dubai transit visa when:
- They are travelling through Dubai to another international destination.
- They need to leave the airport during their stopover.
- They need to pass through UAE immigration and enter Dubai.
- Their nationality or passport does not qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival.
- Their itinerary requires a short stay in Dubai before the onward flight.
- Their airline or application channel requires advance transit visa arrangements.
Visa requirements are nationality-specific, so travellers should not assume that every passenger connecting through Dubai requires a transit visa.
If you are remaining airside and do not need to pass immigration, different rules may apply depending on the airport, terminal, airline and itinerary.
Who Does Not Normally Need a Transit Visa?
Not every traveller transiting through Dubai needs to apply for a transit visa.
A traveller may not need a transit visa if they are eligible to enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance. In some circumstances, passengers who remain within the international transit area and do not pass through immigration may also have different requirements.
However, airport transit arrangements can depend on the complete itinerary.
Before travelling, check:
- Passport nationality
- UAE entry eligibility
- Connecting airline
- Airport and terminal
- Whether baggage must be collected
- Whether a terminal change is required
- Whether you need to clear immigration
- Final destination
- Length of the stopover
These details can affect whether advance UAE entry permission is required.
Documents Required for a Dubai Transit Visa
The documents required can vary according to the application channel and traveller profile. Commonly requested documents include:
1. Passport Copy
A clear copy of the passport is generally required. The passport should meet the applicable UAE validity requirements.
2. Passport Cover
GDRFA’s referenced transit visa information includes a passport copy with the cover.
3. Recent Colour Photograph
Applicants may need to provide a recent colour passport-style photograph meeting the applicable image requirements.
4. Confirmed Onward Flight Ticket
An onward international flight ticket is an important part of a transit visa application because the purpose of the visa is to facilitate a short stay while continuing to another destination.
5. Additional Documents
Depending on the application route, airline or traveller circumstances, additional documentation may be requested.
Applicants should provide clear and valid documents to avoid delays during processing.
How to Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa
GDRFA states that transit visa applications are submitted through approved airlines.
The process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, determine whether you actually require a transit visa based on your passport, nationality, itinerary and UAE entry eligibility.
Step 2: Confirm Your Flight Details
Keep your confirmed onward flight details available. The transit visa is connected to the traveller’s onward international journey.
Step 3: Check the Airline’s Transit Visa Service
GDRFA indicates that transit visa applications are submitted through approved airlines. Check whether your airline provides the relevant transit visa service.
Step 4: Prepare the Documents
Prepare your passport copy, photograph, onward ticket and any other documents requested by the airline or application channel.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the application through the applicable approved channel and provide the requested information accurately.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Charges
The final amount can include government fees, mediator charges or airline/service-provider charges depending on the application route.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
GDRFA currently indicates an expected completion time of 48 hours for the referenced transit visa service. Actual processing can vary depending on the application and circumstances.
Dubai Transit Visa for Indian Travellers
Indian passport holders should check their UAE entry eligibility before applying for a Dubai transit visa.
An Indian traveller connecting through Dubai may have different requirements depending on the complete itinerary and whether they are eligible for another form of UAE entry permission.
For example, the requirements can differ between:
- A short airside connection
- A stopover where the traveller wants to enter Dubai
- A connection requiring immigration clearance
- A journey involving baggage collection
- A terminal transfer
- An itinerary where the traveller already qualifies for UAE entry
Indian travellers should therefore look at the complete journey rather than choosing a transit visa only because the flight has a Dubai connection.
Dubai Transit Visa Processing Time
GDRFA currently lists an expected completion time of 48 hours for the referenced transit visa service.
This should be treated as an expected processing timeframe rather than a guaranteed approval period.
Processing can depend on factors such as:
- Completeness of submitted documents
- Passport information
- Application channel
- Airline processing
- Verification requirements
- Government approval
- Individual traveller circumstances
Travellers should avoid leaving the application until immediately before their flight wherever possible.
48-Hour vs 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa
The main difference between the two options is the maximum permitted transit period.
| Feature | 48-Hour Transit Visa | 96-Hour Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 48 hours | Up to 96 hours |
| Intended use | Short stopover | Longer stopover |
| Suitable for | Short Dubai connection | Longer Dubai connection |
| Onward ticket | Required | Required |
| Application route | Approved airline/channel | Approved airline/channel |
The appropriate option depends on the actual stopover and the traveller’s eligibility.
A traveller should not select a longer-duration transit visa simply because it provides more time. The visa should correspond with the actual travel itinerary and applicable eligibility requirements.
Important Points Before Applying
Before applying for a Dubai transit visa, check the following:
Check Your Passport Validity
The referenced GDRFA requirements include at least six months of passport validity. Make sure your passport meets the applicable requirement before submitting an application.
Confirm the Onward Ticket
A transit visa is connected to an onward journey. Keep the confirmed onward ticket available.
Check Whether You Need to Leave the Airport
If you intend to visit Dubai during your stopover, determine whether you will need to pass immigration and obtain UAE entry permission.
Check Your Airline
GDRFA states that transit visa applications are submitted through approved airlines. The airline should be checked before choosing an application route.
Check the Final Price
Government fees and commercial prices are not necessarily the same. A final quote can include additional mediator, processing or service charges.
Check the Validity and Duration
Make sure you understand both the visa validity and permitted stay before travelling. A transit visa is intended for a limited stopover and should not be used as a substitute for a longer tourist visa.
Transit Visa Fees for Dubai vs Tourist Visa Fees
A transit visa and tourist visa serve different purposes.
A transit visa is intended for a short stopover while travelling onward to another destination. A tourist visa is designed for travellers whose primary purpose is tourism in the UAE.
The costs therefore should not be compared only by price.
Before selecting a visa, compare:
- Purpose of travel
- Permitted stay
- Entry type
- Eligibility
- Required documents
- Processing time
- Government charges
- Service charges
- Refund conditions
For travellers planning a normal Dubai holiday rather than a short stopover, a tourist visa may be the relevant visa category to investigate.
Why Dubai Transit Visa Prices Can Differ
Travellers may find different prices online because different websites can display different types of charges.
For example, a published government fee may not include:
- Mediator charges
- Airline service charges
- Application assistance
- Processing fees
- Taxes
- Other route-specific charges
This means a government fee and a commercial application price should not automatically be treated as equivalent.
Always check what is included in the quoted amount before payment.
Check Current Dubai Visa Options
Travellers who need assistance comparing available Dubai visa options can check the current VisaKendra application and visa information.
Check current Dubai visa options on VisaKendra →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 48-hour Dubai transit visa?
Yes. A 48-hour transit visa option is available for eligible travellers who meet the applicable requirements.
Is there a 96-hour Dubai transit visa?
Yes. A 96-hour transit visa option is available for eligible travellers travelling onward from the UAE.
What are the transit visa fees for Dubai?
Transit visa fees for Dubai depend on the application route and charges included. GDRFA currently lists AED 50 plus mediator fees for the referenced transit service, while Emirates currently publishes US$10 for a 48-hour transit visa and US$49 for a 96-hour transit visa.
How much is a 48-hour Dubai transit visa?
Emirates currently lists US$10 for its 48-hour transit visa service. The final amount can differ when another application route or additional charges apply.
How much is a 96-hour Dubai transit visa?
Emirates currently lists US$49 for its 96-hour transit visa service. Travellers should confirm the final payable amount through the relevant airline or application channel.
Can I leave Dubai airport with a transit visa?
A valid transit visa is intended to permit eligible entry during transit, subject to immigration clearance and the applicable UAE entry requirements.
Can I use a Dubai transit visa for a long holiday?
A transit visa is designed for a limited stopover. Travellers planning a longer holiday should investigate the appropriate UAE tourist visa category instead.
How long does a Dubai transit visa take to process?
GDRFA currently indicates an expected completion time of 48 hours for the referenced transit visa service. Actual processing can vary according to the application and circumstances.
Can Indian travellers apply for a Dubai transit visa?
Indian travellers may be eligible depending on their passport, itinerary, airline and UAE entry circumstances. They should confirm their individual requirements before applying.
Do I need an onward ticket?
Yes. A confirmed onward flight ticket is among the documents referenced for the transit visa service.
How long should my passport be valid?
The referenced GDRFA requirements specify at least six months of passport validity. Travellers should confirm the current requirement before applying.
Can transit visa fees change?
Yes. Government charges, airline fees, mediator fees and commercial service prices can change. Always confirm the current price before payment.
Final Takeaway
Transit visa fees for Dubai depend on the duration of the transit stay and the application route used. The main short-stay options are 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas.
GDRFA currently references AED 50 plus mediator fees for its transit visa service, while Emirates publishes separate prices of US$10 for 48 hours and US$49 for 96 hours.
Because government charges and airline or commercial service prices can represent different components, travellers should compare the complete payable amount, eligibility requirements, processing time and included services before applying.
Official references: GDRFA Transit Visa · Emirates UAE Visa Information.
VisaKendra is an independent private visa information and application-assistance platform. Final eligibility and approval remain with the competent UAE authorities.
