Dubai International Transit Visa 2026
UAE offers 48-hour + 96-hour transit visas at low cost. Airside transit is visa-free for most nationalities.
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.
Staying the night in Dubai?
If your connection is overnight and you can enter UAE, search hotels in Dubai. Prices and availability are on the booking site; AirConnect earns a commission if you book through this link.
Find hotels in Dubai
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
Search hotels