What is the 96 Hours Dubai Transit Visa?
Four days is enough for a proper Dubai stopover: a desert safari, a day in Abu Dhabi, the beaches of Jumeirah and an evening at the Dubai Fountain — all between flights.
The 96 hours transit visa is ideal when your airline offers a stopover or when you deliberately split a long journey into two halves with a short break in the UAE.
96 Hours Dubai Transit Visa at a glance
| Permitted stay | 96 hours (4 days) from time of entry |
|---|---|
| Entry type | Single Entry |
| Visa validity | 14 days from date of issue |
| Processing time | 2-4 Days |
| Total fee | AED 540 |
| Extension | No — transit visas cannot be extended |
| Delivery | E-visa by email (PDF) |
| Application | 100% online |
Who should apply for this visa?
- Planned 2–4 day stopovers in Dubai
- Passengers whose next flight leaves more than 48 hours after landing
- Short business stops between international meetings
- Travellers wanting a mini-holiday on the way to another country
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
- A confirmed onward ticket to a third country is mandatory.
- Maximum stay is 96 hours from entry; the visa cannot be extended or converted.
- Single entry only.
- Use the visa within 14 days of issue.
- Book your onward flight to depart within the 96 hour window.
How to apply for the 96 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
How long can I stay in Dubai on a 96 hours transit visa?
Up to 96 hours — four full days — counted from the time you clear UAE immigration.
Can a 96 hours transit visa be converted to a tourist visa?
No. Transit visas cannot be extended or changed. If you might stay longer, apply for a tourist visa from the start.
Is the 96 hours visa better than a 30 days tourist visa for a stopover?
For a stopover of up to four days with an onward ticket, the 96 hours transit visa is usually the lower-cost option. For longer or flexible plans, choose a tourist visa.
Do I need a hotel booking for a transit visa?
If you stay overnight, a hotel booking is recommended and may be requested. Your onward flight ticket is always required.
Ready to apply for your 96 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.