Dubai Transit Visa - Definitive Guide

The transit visa for Dubai is a single entry visa issued to travellers who have to stay in the UAE for more than 8 hours as a part of airport transit. The transit visas can be issued as two types - 48-hour transit, and 96-hour transit. The transit visa is also an e-visa and should be applied prior to your arrival in the country. However, for people coming from most countries such as the UK, USA, Schengen countries, etc, and GCC countries, they will be issued a visa on arrival.

 With the transit visa, you can explore the cities in the country, meet your friends or family, and even perform business meetings. As a result, the transit visa is also ideal for business persons who require to be in the country only for a few days.

Note that although it is commonly known as a ‘Dubai’ transit permit, the visa issued by Dubai is officially called the UAE transit visa. Although, the permit is valid throughout the rest of the UAE as well.

The UAE embassy does not issue a permit to ordinary passport holders. The applications require to be done with the help of Dubai based airlines, a travel agency, or a hotel. They can apply for a visa on your behalf to the official issuing authority in Dubai. To apply for Dubai transit visa, you can follow the procedure mentioned as follows -

1. Choose the method of application that is easier for you. While choosing travel agencies, ensure that they are well-reputed and genuine.
2. Now, determine the type of visa you require.
3. Once you do that, obtain the necessary documents as per your visa type.
4. Fill in the application form available at the airline websites, or at the travel agencies.
5. The necessary documents must be then uploaded to the respective online portals.
6. Proceed to pay the visa fees online.
7. Submit your application.

Always ensure that you provide the correct details along with genuine documents. You may get a visa denial if your application is incorrect. This may cause you from not being able to apply for the visa in the future.

Please note that if you are flying to Dubai via their home-based airlines (Emirates or Fly Dubai), you can apply at one of the Dubai Visa Service Centres located all over India.

To be eligible to apply for a transit visa for Dubai, you will need to meet the following criteria - 

• You will need to possess a valid ordinary passport.
• You should have an onward flight from the UAE within the period.
• If your transit is longer than 24 hours, you will need to submit a hotel booking confirmation or a residence proof of the family/friend with whom you will be staying during the period.

As per the transit requirements, the following documents are required for the application - 

• A passport valid for upto 6 months from the date of travel
• Colour copies of the passport
• 2 identical passport size photographs
• Confirmed flight tickets including the onward journey

• Dubai transit visa photo size: 35X45 mm
• Recently captured
• Face: directed towards the camera
• Eyes: open, and looking straight at the camera
• Background: plain white
• Headgear: allowed for religious purposes
• Glasses: only  prescription eye-wear
• Neutral facial expression

The fees for transit permit depends on numerous aspects such as the speed of processing, the type of permit, service charges, and so on. There could also be additional charges based on the mode of application.

The transit permit is normally issued in about 3-5 working days. However, it can vary depending on factors such as any express processing options, the length of the visa, the entry type, or even upon any complications arising with documents. It also depends upon how you chose to apply. Your processing may also be faster depending upon your travel history such as your passport containing a visa to Schengen, UK, USA, etc in the past 5 years.

You can check your status in a number of ways. If you have applied through an airline, you can log in to their portal and check the status. Travel agencies also allow you to track the status in the same way. Alternatively, you can send an email to the agency/airline/hotel enquiring about the status. If you have applied through a DVPC, you can track it by visiting their website with your reference number and passport expiry date.

Once you obtain your transit permit, keep in mind the following key points - 

Before travelling -

• You will have to take a print out of your visa and keep it with you as a part of your travel documents.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents such as passport, identification documents, and visa.
• Make a note your validity as staying back in the country beyond the expiry is a criminal offence and may attract hefty fines and penal action. 
• If you are applying via a Dubai based airline, you may have to fly with them to the UAE.
• You must travel within 14 days after your visa issue date for 48-hour transit visa, and within 30 days after your issue date for the 96-hour transit visa.

At the border - 

• Upon landing, you will have to show your visa and passport to the border control. 
• You will also have to produce your onward journey ticket.
• Note that the visa does not guarantee you entry into the country. This is dependent on the decision of border control in Dubai.

While you are in Dubai -

• While you are in the country, you can visit any of the different Emirates.
• You cannot work while you are on a transit visa. However, you are permitted to participate in business meetings, conferences, etc.
• You cannot extend your visa.
• Dubai has strict laws. You are expected to abide by these while you are in the country.
• You must respect the customs and traditions in the country.

If you require any kind of information regarding Dubai, you can check out the Dubai travel guide.