If you're transiting through Dubai with time to leave the airport, the UAE offers two transit-visa options: a free 48-hour version and a paid 96-hour version. Both are booked by your airline (usually Emirates or flydubai), not directly by you. Here's when they're worth using and when a normal tourist visa is smarter.
The 48-hour transit visa (free)
Free of charge, single-entry, valid for exactly 48 hours from the moment you clear immigration. Available only if your onward international flight is booked and both flights are with a UAE-based carrier (Emirates, flydubai, Etihad if transiting via Abu Dhabi with Dubai as add-on). Application is handled entirely by the airline when you book — you provide passport details, they submit.
The 96-hour transit visa (paid)
Costs AED 50 in government fees plus AED 15 processing (typically AED 100–200 with airline markup). Also single-entry, single 96-hour window. Same airline-sponsored process as the 48-hour version. Worth it if you have 3–4 days between flights and want to see Burj Khalifa, do a desert safari and squeeze in the Dubai Mall without paying AED 350+ for a full tourist visa.
When to skip the transit visa
If your layover is under 8 hours, don't apply — you won't clear immigration and re-check-in comfortably. If your ticket is a self-connected booking (two separate airlines with a self-transfer), you often can't get the transit visa because there's no single carrier sponsoring you; a 14-day tourist visa (AED 350) is your only option. If your layover exceeds 96 hours, ditto — go straight to a full tourist visa.
How to actually apply
When booking with Emirates/flydubai, add 'Dubai Connect' or 'Dubai stopover' at checkout and select 'transit visa required'. For existing bookings, log into 'Manage Booking' on the airline site and add the visa request under the passenger details section. Approval takes 3–4 working days. Print the visa PDF and carry a copy — some check-in staff still ask for a paper copy despite the electronic record.
Can I extend a transit visa?
No — transit visas cannot be extended. If you decide mid-visit that you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit the UAE (usually a day trip to Muscat) and re-enter on a fresh visa. In practice, better to plan the trip length correctly upfront and just book a 30-day tourist visa if there's any chance you'll want to stay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Dubai transit visa cost in 2026?+
The 48-hour transit visa is free. The 96-hour version costs AED 50–65 in government fees plus airline processing markup (typically AED 100–200 total).
How long is the Dubai transit visa valid?+
48 hours or 96 hours from the moment you clear immigration on arrival, depending which option you chose.
Can I get a Dubai transit visa on arrival?+
No — it must be applied for in advance through your UAE-based airline (Emirates, flydubai, or Etihad for Abu Dhabi connections). Not available at the airport counter.
What's the minimum layover to leave the airport in Dubai?+
8 hours is the practical minimum. Anything shorter and you risk missing your onward flight after immigration queues, transport, and re-check-in.
Can the Dubai transit visa be extended?+
No. If you need more time, you'd have to exit the UAE and re-enter on a fresh visa.
Do I need a transit visa if I'm not leaving the airport?+
No. Staying airside in DXB or DWC for any layover length requires no UAE visa regardless of your passport.
Which countries qualify for the free 48-hour transit visa?+
Almost all nationalities that need advance visas for tourism can get the transit visa. The exclusion list is short — check with your airline at booking.
