What is the 48 Hours Dubai Transit Visa?
A long layover in Dubai is a chance to see the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall or the old souks instead of waiting in the terminal. The 48 hours transit visa makes that possible on short stopovers.
Transit visas are strictly for passengers travelling onwards. You must arrive and depart through a UAE airport and hold a confirmed ticket to your next destination.
48 Hours Dubai Transit Visa at a glance
| Permitted stay | 48 hours from time of entry |
|---|---|
| Entry type | Single Entry |
| Visa validity | 14 days from date of issue |
| Processing time | 2-4 Days |
| Total fee | AED 500 |
| Extension | No — transit visas cannot be extended |
| Delivery | E-visa by email (PDF) |
| Application | 100% online |
Who should apply for this visa?
- Layovers of 8 to 48 hours in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Passengers who want a quick city tour between flights
- Business travellers with a one-night stopover
- Families breaking up a long-haul journey
Documents required
- Clear colour scan of your passport bio-data page (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photograph with a plain white background
- Confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country, showing the UAE layover
- Hotel booking for your layover (if you plan to stay overnight)
UAE immigration may request additional documents depending on your nationality and travel history.
Important rules & conditions
- You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
- Maximum stay is 48 hours from entry — the visa cannot be extended or converted.
- Single entry only; the visa ends when you leave the UAE.
- Use the visa within 14 days of issue.
- Overstaying a transit visa results in fines and may affect future UAE visas.
How to apply for the 48 Hours Dubai Transit Visa
- 01
Step 1: Choose your visa
Pick this visa type and click Apply Now to open the secure online form.
- 02
Step 2: Upload documents
Fill in your travel details and upload your passport copy and photograph.
- 03
Step 3: Pay securely
Review the total fee and pay online with your card over an SSL-secured checkout.
- 04
Step 4: Receive your e-visa
Once approved by UAE immigration, your visa is emailed to you as a PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a transit visa for a Dubai layover?
Only if you want to leave the airport. If you stay airside and connect within the terminal, most passengers do not need a visa. Visa-on-arrival nationalities may not need one either.
Can I extend a 48 hours transit visa?
No. Transit visas cannot be extended. If you need longer in the UAE, apply for the 96 Hours Transit Visa or a 30 Days Tourist Visa instead.
What is the difference between the 48 hours and 96 hours transit visa?
The 48 hours visa allows up to two days outside the airport, while the 96 hours visa allows up to four. Both require an onward ticket and are non-extendable.
Can I use a transit visa for a return trip to my home country?
No. A transit visa is for passengers travelling onward to a third country, not for a round trip that starts and ends in the same country via the UAE.
Ready to apply for your 48 Hours Dubai Transit Visa?
Apply online in minutes, or talk to a visa expert on WhatsApp.
Last reviewed: . Buy Travel Visa is a private travel services company and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Fees include the government visa charge and our service fee. All visa issuance, refusal and entry decisions are made by UAE immigration authorities.