Dubai 96-Hour Transit Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Documents, Fees, Processing & How to Apply
If your connection in Dubai is longer than a quick dash between gates, the 96-hour Dubai transit visa lets you step out of the airport and enjoy a mini-break in the UAE. This guide explains, in plain language, who needs it, what it costs, which documents to prepare, how long processing takes, and the exact steps to apply—so your stopover turns into a smooth, memorable micro-holiday.
What Is a 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa?
The 96-hour transit visa is a short-stay, single-entry permit that allows eligible passengers up to 4 days (96 hours) in the UAE during a flight connection. It’s designed for travelers heading to a third country who want to exit the airport and explore the city between flights.
Who Needs the 96-Hour Transit Visa in 2026?
You will typically need a transit visa if:
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You plan to leave the international transit area during your layover; and
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Your nationality is not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry; and
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Your layover is more than 8 hours and up to 96 hours.
Who may not need it:
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GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia).
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Visa-on-arrival or visa-free nationalities (duration depends on nationality).
If you stay airside within the transit area for your entire connection, a visa is generally not required.
96-Hour vs 14-Day Tourist Visa: Which Should You Choose?
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Choose 96-hour transit visa if your connection is 2–4 days and you only need a short city break.
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Choose a 14-day tourist visa if you want a fuller itinerary (multiple days of sightseeing, day trips to other Emirates, relaxed pace).
Eligibility Criteria & Key Conditions
Layover Duration Rules
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The time between scheduled arrival and departure must fit within 8–96 hours if you plan to exit the airport.
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You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
Entry Validity & Stay Validity
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Entry validity (the window within which you must enter after issuance) is typically short; plan to apply close to travel but with enough buffer for processing.
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Stay validity is up to 96 hours from entry; the visa is non-extendable and single-entry.
Documents Required for the 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa
Prepare clear, accurate scans to avoid delays:
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Passport valid 6+ months from intended entry (bio page scan).
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Recent passport-size photograph on a plain light/white background.
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Confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country within 96 hours.
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(Recommended) Hotel booking for your short stay.
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(Optional) Travel insurance.
Pro tip: Ensure the name, number, and expiry on the application match your passport exactly.
Fees, Processing Time & Validity
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Typical fee band: The 96-hour transit visa commonly falls in a moderate fee range; service charges can vary by provider and nationality.
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Processing time: Usually 24–72 hours after complete submission.
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Use-by window: You must enter the UAE within the entry validity period specified on the visa; once you enter, the 96 hours starts.
(Fees and timelines can vary by nationality, carrier, and service speed selected.)
How to Apply for a 96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa Online
Step-by-Step Application Checklist
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Choose the visa type: 96-hour transit.
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Check eligibility: Layover 8–96 hours; onward ticket confirmed; nationality rules.
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Prepare documents: Passport bio page, compliant photo, onward ticket, hotel booking (recommended).
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Complete the online form: Enter details exactly as shown on your passport.
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Upload documents: Use clear, high-resolution scans (no glare, no blur).
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Pay securely: Keep the payment receipt/confirmation.
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Track updates by email: Respond promptly if additional info is requested.
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Print your approved e-visa: Carry a hard copy along with your itinerary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Mismatched passport details (typos, spacing, order of names).
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Blurry/incorrect photo (side angle, shadows, colored background).
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No proof of onward travel or layover exceeding 96 hours.
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Applying too late, leaving no buffer for processing or corrections.
Collecting Boarding Pass or Changing Airports: Do You Need a Visa?
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Staying in the same airport (DXB) and remaining airside: Generally no visa needed.
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Switching airports (e.g., DXB to DWC) or re-checking baggage with non-interline tickets: You must exit immigration, so you need a transit visa or other eligible entry permission.
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Self-transfer itineraries: If you must collect luggage and re-check, you’re leaving the transit area → visa required.
What You Can Do in 96 Hours: Mini Itineraries
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Fast-track highlights (8–12 hours): Burj Khalifa photo stop → Dubai Mall & Fountain → Dubai Frame.
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One-day sampler: Old Dubai (Al Fahidi & Creek abra) → Gold & Spice Souks → evening at Dubai Marina/JBR.
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Two-day chill: Museum of the Future → Jumeirah Mosque → beach time → desert evening experience.
Always buffer time for airport travel, check-in, and security.
Risk Factors of DIY/Last-Minute Applications & How Our Service Helps
DIY risks: wrong visa type, incorrect scans, non-eligible layover timing, or misreading nationality rules—each can cause delays or denial, risking your onward flight.
Our advantage: expert document pre-check, eligibility mapping, streamlined filing, and status updates, reducing rework and keeping your plans on schedule.
CTA: Apply now to secure your 96-hour Dubai transit visa with transparent fees, quick processing, and dedicated support.
Apply Now & Make Your Stopover Count
Turn your connection into a mini-vacation. Get your 96-hour Dubai transit visa with a fast, secure, and guided process. Apply now Dubai Transit eVisa and enjoy Dubai’s best—stress-free—before your next flight.