Dubai Transit Visa for South African Passport Holders (2026): Requirements, Fees, Processing & Step-by-Step Guide
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If you hold a South African passport and your itinerary includes a layover in Dubai with plans to leave the international transit area (e.g., to explore the city or stay in a hotel), you’ll need a Dubai Transit Visa. You can choose a 48-hour or 96-hour permit depending on the length of your stopover and travel plans.
Note (2026): If your connecting time is under 8 hours and you remain airside (inside the transit area) without passing immigration, a transit visa is generally not required.
48 Hours vs 96 Hours Dubai Transit Visa
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48-Hour Transit Visa:
Best for short stopovers, quick city sightseeing, or overnight connections. -
96-Hour Transit Visa:
Ideal for longer breaks, multi-day hotel stays, or when you want to cover key attractions comfortably.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose 48 hours if your gap is tight or you need a quick rest + a short city tour.
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Choose 96 hours if you plan to enjoy Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Old Dubai, and maybe a desert experience without rushing.
Eligibility & Rules (2026)
To qualify for a Dubai transit visa as a South African citizen, you should typically meet the following:
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Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 48 or 96 hours of landing in Dubai.
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Your passport must have 6+ months validity from your arrival date.
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You must not be eligible for visa on arrival (South African nationals are not eligible).
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Provide hotel booking (or address of stay) and a clear travel plan during transit.
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If required by your onward destination, hold a visa/entry permit for that country.
Documents Required (South African Citizens)
Adults (18+)
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Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
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Recent photo (white background, high-resolution)
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Confirmed onward ticket (within 48/96 hours)
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Hotel booking / accommodation details in Dubai
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Onward destination visa, if applicable
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Basic travel itinerary (arrival & departure dates, brief plan)
Minors (Under 18)
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Birth certificate (clear scan)
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Passport & photo as above
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Consent letter if traveling with one parent/guardian or with a third party
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ID documents of accompanying adult(s)
Removed/Corrected: The earlier mention of PAN card was irrelevant for South African applicants and has been removed.
Step-by-Step: Apply for a Dubai Transit Visa Online
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Start Application: Go to the Dubai Transit Visa section on our website and select South Africa as your nationality.
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Choose Visa Type: Pick 48 Hours or 96 Hours (or switch to 14/30-day Tourist Visa if your plans require longer stay).
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Fill the Form: Enter your personal details, passport info, and travel plan accurately.
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Upload Documents: Passport, photo, onward ticket, hotel booking, and any required supporting docs.
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Pay Securely: Use Debit/Credit Card, UPI, PayPal, or available local methods.
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Processing:
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Standard: typically 24–72 working hours
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Express: 4–24 working hours (recommended for tight schedules)
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Receive Visa by Email: Print or keep a digital copy to show at airline check-in/immigration.
Dubai Transit Visa Fees & Processing Times (2026)
Visa Type Visa Validity Window Max Stay Typical Processing Visa Fee (USD) Processing Fee (USD) Total (USD) 48-Hour Transit – Standard 30 days 48 hours 24–72 hrs 90.00 26.00 116.00 48-Hour Transit – Express 30 days 48 hours 4–24 hrs 100.00 26.00 126.00 96-Hour Transit – Standard 30 days 96 hours 24–72 hrs 101.00 26.00 127.00 96-Hour Transit – Express 30 days 96 hours 4–24 hrs 115.00 26.00 141.00 Important: Fees are indicative and may vary by exchange rate, optional add-ons, and service tier. For a precise quote tailored to your itinerary, contact our team at +918178567149 or sales@dubaitransitevisa.com.
Checking Your Application Status
After submission, use our Visa Status page and enter your Application Number to track real-time progress.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejection
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Mismatched details between passport, ticket, and application.
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Low-quality scans/photos (blurry or wrong background).
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No onward visa for the next country (when required).
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Inadequate itinerary or missing hotel booking.
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Applying too late—always allow buffer time, especially during peak seasons.
Pro Tip: Choose Express Processing for tight connections or last-minute plans.
Can South Africans Get Visa on Arrival in Dubai?
No. South African passport holders are not eligible for UAE visa on arrival in 2026. You must prearrange a visa (Transit or Tourist) before you travel.
When You Don’t Need a Transit Visa
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Your layover is under 8 hours and you stay airside (no immigration).
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Your airline handles an airside transfer and you don’t exit the terminal.
If you wish to leave the airport for sightseeing or a hotel stay, you must get a 48/96-hour transit visa.
Why Apply with DubaiTransitVisa.com
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High approval rate with expert document checks
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Fast turnarounds (Express in 4–24 hours)
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Secure payments & real-time tracking
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Dedicated support via phone, WhatsApp, and email
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Clear pricing and no hidden surprises
Final Checklist & Call-to-Action
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✅ Passport (6+ months validity)
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✅ Photo (white background)
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✅ Confirmed onward ticket (within 48/96 hrs)
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✅ Hotel booking & brief itinerary
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✅ Onward visa (if required)
Ready to make the most of your Dubai layover?
👉 Apply your Dubai Transit Visa (48/96 Hours) now — fast, secure, and approved by experts.
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Apply Online: Dubai Transit eVisa.
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Need help?: Contact Us | +918178567149 | sales@dubaitransitevisa.com
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