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Last reviewed: 20 September 2026 | Source review required
UAE transit visas allow Indian nationals to exit Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport and explore the city during a layover. The 48-hour and 96-hour options serve different traveller needs , choosing the wrong one wastes money or leaves you stuck airside.
48-Hour vs 96-Hour Transit Visa , Side by Side
| Feature | 48-Hour Transit Visa | 96-Hour Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 48 hours (2 days) | 96 hours (4 days) |
| Approx. cost (INR) | ₹3,299 | ₹4,999 |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Onward ticket required | Yes Yes , to third destination | Yes Yes , to third destination |
| Can exit airport | Yes | Yes |
| Extendable | No | No |
| Best for | Short stopover, quick city visit | Extended Dubai exploration during transit |
Who Needs a UAE Transit Visa
- Indian nationals exiting the airport during a layover , require transit visa or VoA qualifying document
- Indian nationals staying airside (not passing through immigration) , no transit visa needed for short connections
- Indian nationals with US/UK/EU qualifying documents , can get VoA instead of applying in advance
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport , minimum 6 months validity
- Recent passport photograph , white background
- Confirmed inbound ticket to UAE
- Confirmed onward ticket from UAE to a third country (not return to India)
- Transit visa fee payment
How to Apply for UAE Transit Visa
- Apply at least 48–72 hours before your layover date through evisa-uae.org
- Select "48-hour" or "96-hour" transit visa based on your layover length
- Upload passport scan and photograph
- Provide inbound and onward flight details
- Pay and receive your transit visa by email
- Print a copy or save to your phone , present at Dubai/Abu Dhabi immigration on arrival
Both the 48-hour and 96-hour UAE transit visas are available through our application form. You will need your inbound ticket and your confirmed onward ticket to a third destination. The key document most applicants miss is the onward ticket , not a return to India, but a flight continuing beyond the UAE. Submit both tickets with your application. Transit visas are processed within 24 to 48 hours for complete applications. Apply at least 3 days before your layover date.
Before you submit an application
Once you understand the route discussed above, verify the current rule with the relevant official authority and use the checker to confirm your document readiness.
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Start My Application →Frequently Asked Questions
A 48-hour UAE transit visa permits a layover of up to 48 hours. A 96-hour transit visa permits up to 96 hours (4 days). Both require a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination. The 96-hour option is ideal for travellers who want to explore Dubai during a longer stopover.
Indian nationals who remain airside (in the transit area without passing through immigration) do not need a transit visa for short connections. But, if you wish to exit the airport and enter Dubai , even for a few hours , you require either a UAE transit visa or a qualifying document for visa on arrival.
No. UAE transit visas (48-hour and 96-hour) cannot be extended from within the UAE. If your plans change and you need to stay longer, you must depart as planned or apply for a different visa category from outside the UAE.
Required documents: valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity), confirmed onward ticket to a destination beyond the UAE (not a return to India), passport photograph, and payment of the transit visa fee. A confirmed inbound ticket and the onward ticket must both be submitted.