Zayed International Airport Transit Visa 2026
Airside transit at AUH is visa-free for all nationalities. To leave the airport, UAE visa or e-visa on arrival applies per your nationality.
Airside transit zone at Zayed International Airport
Terminal A (opened 2023) has a fully airside transit facility with lounges, showers, hotel. No UAE visa needed for airside transit.
Usually need a transit visa
- • To enter UAE (leave airport): nationals not on visa-free or visa-on-arrival list
Usually exempt
- • Airside transit — all nationalities
- • UAE visa-free / e-visa on arrival: 100+ countries including all EU/Schengen + UK + US + Canada + Australia + NZ + Japan + South Korea + Singapore + Malaysia + China (2024)
Visa types + cost
Airside transit (no visa)
Duration
Unlimited within layover
Price
Free
Process
None. Stay airside.
UAE visa on arrival
Duration
30-90 days depending on nationality
Price
Free or AED 100-350 depending on nationality
Process
Present passport at immigration; instant approval for eligible nationalities.
Etihad Stopover programme
Duration
48-96 hours
Price
Free hotel night with Etihad ticket
Process
Select stopover during booking on etihad.com — includes hotel night at select 4-5 star properties.
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
Any passport, AUH airside layover 6 hours
No visa needed — stay airside in Terminal A transit area
Scenario 2
Indian passport with Etihad ticket wants 48h Abu Dhabi stopover
Etihad stopover programme — free hotel night, apply during flight booking
Scenario 3
US/EU citizen 3-day stopover in Abu Dhabi
Free UAE visa-on-arrival, up to 90 days
Official source
https://www.etihad.com/en/plan-my-trip/abu-dhabi-stopoverVisa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.
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