Dubai Stopover Transit Visa Explained: Entry Rules, Fees & Step by Step Application Process

Naurang Singh

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25-Feb-2026

dubai stopover visa | transit visa rules & application guide

If your itinerary includes a stop at Dubai International Airport (DXB), you may want to step out of the terminal and explore the city. To do this, you need a Dubai transit visa, which visa type is available for 48 hours or 96 hours. With Dubai visits visa applications now fully online, travelers can apply quickly, avoid paperwork issues, and enjoy short holidays in the UAE.


Why You Need a Dubai Visits Visa for Stopovers

A transit visa allows you to leave the airport during your layover. Whether your stop is 8 hours or 4 days, having the right visa ensures smooth immigration and the chance to enjoy Dubai’s world-class attractions.

Benefits of applying through DubaiVisitsVisa:

  1. 99% approval success rate

  2. 24/7 application support

  3. Quick online process in 2–3 minutes

  4. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees


Types of Dubai Transit Visas

48-Hour Dubai Transit Visa

  • Valid for 2 days (48 hours) only.

  • Best for ultra-short layovers.

  • Cannot be extended or converted.

96-Hour Dubai Transit Visa 

  1. Valid for 4 days (96 hours).

  2. Perfect for stopovers between long flights.

  3. Also non-extendable but more flexible for short stays.


Dubai Transit Visa Fees

Visa Type Fee (USD) Processing Time
48 Hours Transit Visa $157 1–2 Days
96 Hours Transit Visa $41 1–2 Days
Express 96 Hours Visa $68 24 Hours

Required Documents to Apply Dubai Transit Visa Online

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months)

  • Passport-size photo (white background)

  • Confirmed onward flight ticket

  • Hotel booking or UAE address (recommended)

  • Completed online application form


Step-by-Step Application Process at Dubai Visits Visa

  1. Visit Dubai Visits Visa

  2. Select Transit Visa 48 Hours or Transit Visa 96 Hours.

  3. Upload passport and photo.

  4. Make secure online payment.

  5. Receive approved Dubai e-visa by email.

Get Visa Approved


Smart Gate Access & Emirates ID Integration for Transit Travelers

  • Smart Gates allow faster immigration using face or fingerprint scans.

  • Some tourists are auto-registered after first manual entry.

  • Emirates ID is still for residents, not transit passengers, but pre-issued e-visas are accepted for Smart Gate entry.


Overstay Fines & Penalties

If you exceed your visa validity:

  1. 13.61 Dollar per day fine applies.

  2. 54.46 Dollar exit permit fee at the airport.

  3. Multiple overstays can lead to blacklisting.


Dubai Stopover Itinerary Ideas (6–96 Hours)

Short Layover (6–12 Hours)

  • Visit Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain.

  • Quick taxi to Jumeirah Beach for Burj Al Arab views.

24-Hour Dubai Stopover Tour

  • Morning: Dubai Creek & Gold Souk.

  • Evening: Desert Safari or Marina Walk.

48–96 Hours Mini Vacation

  • Day 1: Downtown Dubai + Fountain Show.

  • Day 2: Desert safari & Palm Jumeirah.

  • Day 3: Museum of the Future + JBR Beach.

  • Day 4: Optional trip to Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque).


Common Reasons for Transit Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them

  1. Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity)

  2. Missing onward ticket proof

  3. Incorrect application details

  4. Past overstays in the UAE

  5. Unclear passport photo

Applying via DubaiVisitsVisa minimizes rejection risks.


DIY vs Professional Transit Visa Applications – Success Rates

  • DIY Applications: ~70% approval success.

  • DubaiVisitsVisa Applications: ~99% approval success.


Conclusion 

A Dubai stopover can easily turn your layover into a memorable short getaway when you secure the right transit visa in advance. By applying online, submitting accurate documents, and following UAE immigration rules, you can avoid delays, fines, or rejection at the airport. Whether your travel plan suits a 48-hour Dubai transit visa for a quick visit or a 96-hour Dubai transit visa for a longer stay, choosing the correct option ensures a smooth and stress-free experience in Dubai.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This is a tricky question to answer because it truly depends on your heat tolerance and how much you love being indoors! In the height of summer, daytime temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius (122F). For most people, this is far from comfortable, and being outside for any amount of time is exhausting.

There are two types of transit visas available: a 48-hour transit visa and a 96-hour transit visa. Both are designed for short stopovers and cannot be extended.

Are you changing planes in Dubai and intend to keep your luggage with you during the layover? At Terminals 1 and 3, storage lockers are available. However, at 10.89 Dollar each bag for up to 12 hours, it isn't exactly inexpensive. If you have the option of checking your baggage all the way through, I highly recommend doing so and only bringing a tiny day bag with you during a layover.

The UAE is a Muslim country with a significant emphasis on the holy month of Ramadan. If you're passing through the airport, you won't notice much of a difference because transiting travelers are not required to fast.

Transit visa holders with approved e-visas may be eligible to use Smart Gates after initial registration, depending on airport rules. Emirates ID is only issued to residents and not required for transit passengers.

Applications may be rejected due to insufficient passport validity, missing onward ticket confirmation, incorrect details in the application form, unclear passport photos, or previous overstays in the UAE.

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