Dubai Visa for Afghan Citizens: All Dubai Visa Types

A Dubai transit stop may be possible, but the rules for Afghan passport holders remain unclear. September 2025 reports described a pause on new UAE tourist and work visas, without clearly confirming whether transit visas are affected. Check with your airline before booking. If you need to leave the airport, confirm that a UAE transit visa can be issued for your journey.

Typical UAE transit visa requirements include a passport valid for at least six months, a recent photograph, a confirmed onward ticket and any visa required for your final destination. Additional documents may be requested. Because the position for Afghan passport holders is unclear, confirm that a transit visa can currently be issued before preparing documents or paying fees.

Usually, passengers can transit airside in Dubai without a UAE visa if they remain in the international transfer area and their airline confirms the connection. Your bags should be checked through to the final destination. Afghan passport holders should confirm boarding and transit requirements with the airline before booking, especially if a missed connection could require entering the UAE.

An Afghan passport holder’s UAE transit eligibility may depend on current rules, even when living in Pakistan, Turkey or a Gulf country. A residence permit abroad does not automatically guarantee transit approval. If your connection requires leaving the airport, confirm whether a UAE visa can be issued and which documents are needed before booking.

Avoid a long Dubai layover that requires entering the UAE unless you have confirmed that every family member can obtain the necessary visa. The position for Afghan passport holders remains unclear. Choose a single-ticket connection with a short layover where possible, and confirm with the airline that your family can remain airside for the entire transfer.