Dubai is one amid the most admired tourist destinations within the world. Countless people pay a visit to Dubai owing to its architectural marvels, stunning skylines, rich cultural heritage, excellent theme parks, and tasty food. Yet what the majority are not aware of is the airport in Dubai is also a well-known stopover destination for travelers on international trips. This airport is amid the busiest where people from every nook and cranny of the globe arrive for flying to various destinations. The stopover here at times is short while at other times travelers require waiting for long for a connecting flight. Although this airport is quite entertaining and fascinating, you may explore Dubai albeit briefly, through the Dubai airport transit visa.
Types of Dubai Transit Visa
The transit visa for Dubai is a visa type that permits a traveler to stay in this city or any Emirate city but for a brief duration. It is of two types- 48 hours and 96 hours. With the former, one can stay in Dubai or any part of the UAE for that matter for 2 days (48 hours) while the later allows one to stay in Dubai for 4 days or 96 hours. The 48 hours visa is free of cost, while the 96 hours transit visa cost in Dubai is AED 50.
Besides, there are various Dubai express visa such as express tourist visa, express transit visa, and express work visa.
Who Requires Dubai Transit Visa?
Should you be national of a county which can avail visa on arrival or do not require a visa for visiting Dubai or the UAE, you will not require the transit visa for short stays in Dubai. While on the contrary, should you fail in being eligible for a visa on arrival/visa-free, you will need to apply for transit visa Dubai. A vital point to consider is transit visas are offered only to travelers travelling to different countries from Dubai. The transit visa moreover can neither be renewed nor extended, indicating that you will require leaving the city prior to the expiry of the visa’s validity.
How to Apply for Transit Visa?
Transit visa has to be applied through UAE based airlines. As opposed to the other Dubai/UAE visa kinds, you cannot apply for Dubai transit visa online. Further, you can opt to apply for transit visa with the assistance of a certified travel agency as well. Although, all transit visas have to go through a UAE based airlines.
How to Apply for Dubai Transit Visa?
The process of applying for Dubai transit visa or Dubai layover visa is similar to applying for other visas. Along with the application form, you need to submit certain documents.
- Passport: A colored, printed passport is necessary if you want to visit Dubai or UAE. You will require submitting the copies of both first as well as last page of the passport. The passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from trial date.
- Photograph: You need to submit a recent passport size photo. The photograph must be colored and taken against the white background. The facial features must be clearly seen, and you must avoid wearing a headgear, except for religious reasons. It is also best to avoid wearing spectacles or sunglasses.
- Confirmed Onward Ticket: Another important document that you have to submit is the copy of your onward air journey ticket. The ticket should not be a return ticket, but a ticket to a third destination.
Processing Time
Typically, the transit permit in fact is given within 3-5 business days. However, it may differ based on elements like any express processing choices, the duration of the visa, the kind of entrance, or even any issues with document submission. It also rests on the method of application that you use. As per your travel history, like if the passport has a visa for the UK, Schengen, the USA, amid others within the past five years, the processing time is likely to speed up as well. Most importantly after receiving the visa ensure to check whether the Dubai visa is original or fake to be on the safer side.
Purpose of Transit Visa
Following are some of the reasons to get a transit visa to Dubai:
- Meeting Friends and Family: You can take a detour from your holiday plans to visit your family and friends in Dubai for a short while.
- Sightseeing: Though the city cannot be covered in its entirety in a couple of days, you can certainly visit few of the renowned places in Dubai through the transit visa. In fact there are multiple travel blogs where you may find 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-days Dubai travel itinerary.
- Shopping: Dubai is known as a shopper’s paradise and through a transit visa, you can shop at the top shopping malls & souks of this city. This would be most ideal if you are transiting through Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival, which happens in December-January every year.
Takeaway
As you know everything that is to know about the Dubai transit visa, applying for one would not be a hassle. Do remember that the transit visa is not enough if you are planning for a short holiday in Dubai, even if it is just for 3-4 days. In this case, you would have to go for a regular Dubai tourist visa.