Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major international aviation hubs, and many travellers pass through the UAE on layovers. Here is the complete 2025 guide to UAE transit visas and transit rules.
UAE Airside Transit (No Visa Needed)
If you are transiting through Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) and staying in the international/airside zone: you generally do NOT need a UAE visa. You remain in the secured international transit area, do not pass UAE immigration, and take a connecting flight. This applies to all nationalities. If your layover is 8+ hours: most airlines require you to exit immigration and use the terminal normally (you leave the airside zone). In this case, you may need a UAE transit visa.
UAE Transit Visa (48 or 96 Hours)
For passengers who need to exit immigration (including for overnight stays, hotel transit): 48-hour transit visa and 96-hour transit visa are available. These can be obtained: through the airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai often offer visa sponsorship for transit passengers), through the hotel (hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport areas can sponsor a transit visa for guests), or through the GDRFA online portal. Cost: AED 50-150 for transit visa. Eligibility: available to nationalities that require a UAE visa (those who get visa-on-arrival do not need a separate transit visa).
Stop-Over Dubai Programme
Emirates airline offers a formal Stop-Over Dubai programme: fly to a destination via Dubai, add a 1-5 night stop in Dubai to your itinerary. Emirates may include hotel accommodation or discounts as part of the stopover package. The UAE visit visa is handled as part of the airline ticket. Useful for: travellers on long-haul routes through Dubai who want to explore Dubai for a few days as part of their journey.