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Dubai Transit Visa for Indians: How To Transit Through Dubai

10-May-2023

10 min read

If you have a layover in Dubai on your way to another destination as an Indian national. In that case, you'll need a Transit Visa.

Let's get started!

Type of visa needed: Transit visa

Visa Fees: AED 50 approximately INR 1126

Visa Processing Time: 3-5 business days

Visa Validity: 12 days (48 - 96 hours)


Do I Need A Visa In Dubai For Transit?

Yes, you do. If you're eligible for Dubai Visa On Arrival. In that case, you must apply for a transit visa for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate in the UAE.

If your layover is longer than 8 hours and you plan on leaving the airport, you need a transit visa.

The Dubai Transit Visa for Indians is a single-entry visa issued to people who must stay in Dubai or the UAE for more than 8 hours as part of airport transit.

This means that if your stopover in Dubai is longer than 8 hours, you must apply for a transit visa.

Indian nationals need a transit visa to pass through the UAE (which includes Dubai).

There are two types of Transit Visas for Dubai:

  • 48-hour transit visa.
  • 96-hour transit visa.

What Are The Transit Visa Required Documents?

The list of travel documents you require to apply for the transit visa is short. However, you need to make sure that you submit all these documents.

You need the following documents:

  • A valid passport.
  • A passport-size photograph with a white background. Ensure you check the requirements for the Dubai Visa photo. You can also use the free passport photo maker on Atlys, which gives you a photo that meets the requirements.
  • An onward ticket booking to a 3rd destination other than the one you are coming from.

If you don't, it could prolong the processing time, or in extreme cases, officials can deny your visa.

Infographic - UAE passport and photo requirements

Passport Requirements

You need to ensure that your passport meets the following requirements:

  • Valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of travel.
  • Ensure that your passport has at least 2 blank pages.

If your passport doesn't meet these Dubai transit visa requirements, officials will deny your visa.

What Documents Should I Have When I Arrive In Dubai?

If You've landed in Dubai. Then you'll need your

  • Transit visa It would be wise to have copies of your visa just in case something happens.
  • Passport Your passport be valid for at least 6, and you must also have at least 2 blank pages in your passport.
  • Proof of your flight ticket to your 3rd destination. It would be wise to have copies of your visa just in case something happens.

Need A Dubai Transit Visa? Apply Directly On Your Phone!

Are you planning a layover in Dubai but need a transit visa? Don't worry; Atlys has got you covered! On our app, you can apply for a Dubai Tourist visa, which allows you to transit. Atlys makes the visa application process quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes to complete directly on your smartphone.

Not only can you apply for your visa without knowing your exact travel dates, but you can also take visa photos on the app and track your visa status in real time.

So, how do you apply for your Dubai visa through Atlys? It's simple:

  1. Choose the United Arab Emirates as the country you need the visa.
  2. Complete the application form, including your passport and travel details.
  3. Upload the required documents, including using our free passport photo maker.
  4. Submit your application and wait for your visa.

With Atlys, getting your visa for Dubai has never been easier. So why wait? Download the app today and enjoy a stress-free layover in Dubai!

GIF on how to apply for your Dubai Transit visa through Atlys

How To Get A Dubai Transit Visa For Indians

Now that we've covered the nitty gritty details let's discuss the Dubai Transit Visa for Indians application process.

Where Can I Apply For A Dubai Transit Visa For Indians?

There are many ways you can apply for your transit visa for Dubai. This includes through:

It can be confusing to find the correct place to apply on the online portals. This is why I recommend you use Atlys. In the next section, I'll show you how easy it is to apply through the app.

How To Apply For Your Dubai Transit Visa Through Atlys

To apply for a Dubai transit visa from India, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of the Dubai Immigration Department and click on the "General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai" (GDRFA) portal.
  2. Click on the "Visa Services" tab and select "Dubai International Airport Transit Visa" from the options available.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal and travel details.
  4. Upload the required documents, which may include your passport, flight tickets, and proof of onward travel.
  5. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  6. Submit your application and wait for the visa to be processed.
  7. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification. Print out the visa and take it with you on your trip.

At Atlys, we can help make the process of applying for a Dubai visa easy and stress-free. We offer a complete range of services to assist you in obtaining a transit visa.

White building lit up by lights with a tree infornt during daytime

Everything You Need To Know About The Transit Visa

Before you apply for the Dubai Transit Visa for Indians, you need to know a few things. These things include:

What Is The Validity Of The Dubai Transit Visa For Indians?

The validity of the transit visa for Dubai depends on the type of visa you apply for. For example, if you apply for the 48-hour visa, the visa is valid for 12 days. However, you can only stay in Dubai for 48 hours.

The 96-hour visa is also valid for 12 days. However, once you're in Dubai, you can only stay for 96 hours.

What Are The Different Types Of Transit Visas For Dubai?

There are two transit visas for Dubai that you can apply for depending on how long you want to stay in Dubai. Here are the types of Dubai transit visas:

  • 48-hour Transit Visa: This visa is issued to travelers whose layover is between 8 to 48 hours. It is a single-entry transit visa. You'll need to apply for the transit visa for Indians in advance.

Please note that when the 48-hour transit visa is issued, you can't extend it to a 96-hour transit visa.

  • 96-hour Transit Visa: The Dubai 96 hours visa is issued to travelers whose layover in Dubai is between 8 to 96 hours. This is also a single-entry visa. Therefore, you'll need to leave the United Arab Emirates within 96 hours of your arrival.

Suppose you wish to visit for a longer period. In that case, you must get a Dubai Visit Visa for Indians.

How Much Is A Transit Visa For Dubai?

The cost depends on which transit visa you apply for. For example, a Dubai transit visa 48 hours price is free of charge. However, the 96-hour transit visa is AED 50 (approximately INR 1126). Remember that the Dubai Transit Visa fees for Indian citizens can change. This is why I recommend you check the fees before you apply.

Atlys offers multiple payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), debit cards, mobile wallets, and dozens of other payment cards worldwide.

What Is The Transit Visa Processing Time?

It takes around 3-5 business days to process your application. However, the processing time may be longer depending on when you apply, where you apply, and your country of nationality.

Do I Need A Transit Visa For Dubai If I Am Not Leaving The Airport?

No, you don't. You don't need a Dubai Transit Visa for Indians if you don't leave the transit area. However, if you wish to leave the airport to explore Dubai, you must apply for a transit visa.

Buj Arab building it during daytime

What To Expect When You Arrive

The first thing you must do when you get off your flight in Dubai is to go through immigration. After that, you'll need your Transit visa and your flight ticket to your final destination.

You can then head to your next gate and wait for your flight or walk around the airport. Certain airlines also have packages where you can leave the airport and go sightseeing.

However, make sure that you're back in time for your flight!

What To Remember While You Have Your Transit Visa

When you have a Dubai Transit Visa for Indians, there are a few Dubai transit rules to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that these visas are intended only for those passing through the countrynot those who plan to stay.

As such, they are designed as short-term transit visas and cannot be extended beyond their validity period. Therefore, you must plan your trip accordingly so that you don't overstay the visa duration.

In addition, it is also important to remember that transit visas can only be issued if you have proof of onward travel. This may include air tickets or ferry tickets, depending on your mode of transport. Without this proof of onward travel, it is unlikely your visa application will be approved by the relevant authorities.

Finally, bear in mind that even after obtaining permission to enter Dubai via a transit visa, there may be restrictions on what activities you can carry out while in the city; some activities may require additional paperwork, such as special permits or licenses, which would need to be applied for separately and before arriving in Dubai.

Dubai Transit Tips

Lastly, I want to share some tips with you. These tips will help make your travel less stressful and more comfortable.

  • Take a pillow with you. Some airports have lounges where you can stay, and it's best to have a comfortable pillow to get some rest. Even if you don't go to one of the lounges and sit on a chair near your gate, you'll be more comfortable.
  • Remember to pack your charger in your hand luggage.
  • Find out if your airline provides lounges. This is important for when you have a long layover. Many airlines also have packages where you can book a room at a nearby hotel.
  • Pack comfortable shoes like slippers in your hand luggage. After a long day of walking, wearing comfortable shoes can change your mood in seconds.
  • Make sure you have an alarm for an hour before your flight. Again, this is just to be cautious; sometimes, time goes by so fast that we don't even notice.
  • Ensure you're at your gate at least an hour before your flight.
Body of water near building during day time

That's All For Now!

Applying for your Dubai transit visa is now easier than ever, and the required documents are minimal. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and travel with ease. Be sure to check out the FAQ section on our website for more information.

Government Sources

When it comes to visa information, we know that our readers need to be able to trust the sources they're using - which is why we rely on government-trusted resources to ensure the information we provide is up-to-date and accurate.

This post was fact-checked and written with AI assistance.

Written By: Mable Chidi
Fact Checked By: Laliq Schuman

Frequently Asked Questions

What Activities Can You Do On A 96-Hour Transit Visa?

On a 96-hour Dubai Transit Visa For Indians, there is plenty of exciting activities to do and experience. But first, you can visit the world's largest museum, the Dubai Museum. Located in Al Fahidi Fort, it has been standing since 1787 and houses countless artifacts from the UAE's past.

In addition to this, visitors can also explore some of Downtown Dubai's most iconic landmarks, such as Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world – The Dubai Mall – one of the biggest shopping centers in the region – and The Dubai Fountain – an iconic water feature located at The Lake. All these attractions offer a glimpse into the culture, lifestyle, and grandeur that make up this vibrant city.

Who Is Eligible For A Transit Visa In Dubai?

You are eligible for a transit visa if:

  • You are NOT eligible to apply for a Dubai visa on arrival
  • You do NOT enjoy visa-free travel to Dubai
Can I Get A UAE Transit Visa On Arrival At Dubai Airport?

No, you can't. You must apply for your transit visa before traveling to Dubai.

What Are The Airlines I Can Use To Book A Dubai Transit Visa

You can use one of the following airlines to book your UAE Transit Visa:

You can also apply for your Dubai transit visa For Indians using Atlys.

Who Is Exempt From UAE Transit Visa?

Travelers from the following countries can enter Dubai and any other emirate in the United Arab Emirates without a UAE visa, so they don't need a Dubai transit Visa for Indians:

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,and Saudi Arabia .

Can I Extend The Dubai Transit Visa?

No. Passport holders can't extend or renew their Dubai transit visa.

Who Can Get A Visa On Arrival For Dubai?

Nationals from the following countries can apply for a Dubai Visa On Arrival:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Islands, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Mauritius, Russian, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Vatican, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Uruguay.

Do Indians Need Transit Visa For Dubai?

You need a visa to transit in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate in the UAE if: You are not exempt from UAE Tourist Visas or you are not eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival; and. Your onward flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours.

How Much Does A Transit Visa Cost For Dubai For Indians?

Dubai transit visa for Indians is 50 AED for the 96-hours, and the 48 hours transit visa is free.

Can I Get Dubai Transit Visa On Arrival?

No, Dubai transit visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You will need to apply for a transit visa for dubai for indians in advance through the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country or through a sponsor in the UAE.

Do I Need Transit Visa In Dubai For 3 Hours?

If you are not leaving the airport during your 3-hour layover, you may not require a transit visa. However, it is best to confirm this with your airline, the UAE embassy, or the consulate in your home country.

How To Get A Transit Visa For Dubai Emirates?

You can apply for a transit visa for Dubai through the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country or through a sponsor in the UAE. The process and requirements may vary based on your nationality and other factors.

Can I Go Out With Transit Visa At Dubai Airport?

Yes, with a valid transit visa, you may leave the airport and explore Dubai during your layover. However, be sure to allow enough time to pass through immigration and customs and to return to the airport in time for your connecting flight.

What Is The Difference Between A 48-Hour And A 96-Hour Transit Visa For Dubai?

The 48-hour transit visa allows for a stay of up to 2 days, while the 96-hour transit visa allows for a stay of up to 4 days.

Can I Extend My Dubai Transit Visa If I Need More Time?

No, transit visas for Dubai cannot be extended.

Can I Work In Dubai With A Transit Visa?

No, transit visas do not permit work in Dubai.

Is A Transit Visa For Dubai Different From A Tourist Visa?

Yes, transit visas are for short-term stays of up to 96 hours. They are intended for passengers passing through Dubai International Airport.

Can I Apply For A Dubai Transit Visa If I Am In The UAE On A Visit Visa?

No, A transit visa is only for travelers passing through Dubai International Airport. You cannot obtain it if you're already in the UAE.

Can I Cancel My Dubai Transit Visa After It Has Been Issued?

No, transit visas for Dubai are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued.

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