Dubai International Transit Visa 2026
UAE offers 48-hour + 96-hour transit visas at low cost. Airside transit is visa-free for most nationalities.
Last verified: 2026-07
Airside transit zone at Dubai International
DXB has 3 terminals with airside transit zones. Emirates + partners offer transit services.
Usually need a transit visa
- • To enter UAE (leave airport): most South Asian, African, some Central Asian nationals
Usually exempt
- • UAE visa-on-arrival: USA, UK, EU + Schengen, Australia, NZ, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, China (30 days)
- • Airside transit: no visa needed for all nationalities up to 24 hours
Visa types + cost
48-hour Transit Visa
Duration
48 hours
Price
Free (with Emirates/flydubai) or AED 50
Process
Apply on Emirates.com or via visa portal — instant approval usually
96-hour Transit Visa
Duration
96 hours
Price
AED 100
Process
Apply on Emirates.com or via visa portal
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
Indian citizen 6-hour DXB layover, stays airside
No visa needed
Scenario 2
Indian citizen 20-hour DXB layover, wants Dubai visit
48-hour transit visa via Emirates — free with EK confirmed ticket
Scenario 3
US/EU citizen any DXB layover
No transit visa — enter on 30-day visa-on-arrival if leaving airport
Official source
https://www.emirates.com/english/help/topics/dubai-transit/Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.