Do you need a transit visa for United Arab Emirates (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)?
Airside transit is visa-free; to leave the airport, many nationalities are visa-free or can get a 48-hour/96-hour transit visa (often airline-sponsored).
Staying airside (not leaving the airport)
Connecting airside through Dubai or Abu Dhabi without entering the UAE generally does not require a visa.
Leaving the airport during your layover
To leave the airport you must enter the UAE — many nationalities get visa-free entry or visa on arrival; others can apply for a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa, usually sponsored by the airline.
Key transit schemes & facts
- 48-hour transit visa: typically free; 96-hour transit visa: low fee — usually arranged through the airline (e.g. Emirates, Etihad).
- Many nationalities already qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, removing the need for a transit visa.
- A confirmed onward ticket is required.
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a transit visa to connect through United Arab Emirates (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)?
Airside transit is visa-free; to leave the airport, many nationalities are visa-free or can get a 48-hour/96-hour transit visa (often airline-sponsored).
Can you transit airside through United Arab Emirates (Dubai / Abu Dhabi) without a visa?
Connecting airside through Dubai or Abu Dhabi without entering the UAE generally does not require a visa.
What if you want to leave the airport during a layover in United Arab Emirates (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)?
To leave the airport you must enter the UAE — many nationalities get visa-free entry or visa on arrival; others can apply for a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa, usually sponsored by the airline.
Check the visa you'll need at your destination
Beyond transit, you'll need to know the visa rules for where you're actually going.
Open the visa checker →