Stopping over in the UAE for a short period of time? The 96 hours transit visa makes it possible to experience the best of what the country has to offer, whether you are passing through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. You can visit the major attractions of the country, shop in the best malls, or just have some rest before your next flight. But how do you apply for it, and what’s the cost of 96 hours transit visa UAE travelers should expect? It is a step by step guide to everything you should know.
What is the 96 Hours Transit Visa?
The 96 hours transit visa is a temporary, short term visit visa that is specifically meant to be used by the travellers who are transiting through the UAE. It will enable you to spend up to 4 days (96 hours) in the UAE between two connecting flights. It is perfect to use by tourists, business travelers or persons with long layover who would like to make the best out of their time in the Emirates.
Who Can Apply?
A 96 hours transit visa can be obtained in the case that:
The time of your UAE layover is over 8 and under 96 hours.
You have a booked connecting flight to a third city.
You have a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
You have evidence of booking or staying in a hotel in the UAE.
You are not a national of the countries that are exempted under the UAE visa.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Plan Your Itinerary
Make sure that your UAE transit time is 8 to 96 hours and that you have a confirmed onward flight. This visa is not renewable, so plan for that.
2. Gather Required Documents
What you will need is:
A photocopy of your passport (valid in 6 months or more)
White background passport size photograph
Confirmed air tickets (one way ticket to destination)
Hotel booking or hotel confirmation
3. Submit Your Application
The visa is obtained by means of
The UAE based airlines (Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Air Arabia)
Tourist or visa agents approved
Advertisers of the UAE (hotels, companies)
How Much is the Cost of 96 Hours Transit Visa UAE?
The price of 96 hours transit visa UAE normally varies between AED 100 and AED 200 according to the authority of issue and the service provider. The visa processing fee can be included in your ticket by some airlines particularly when you are booking a stopover package.
Processing Time
A 96 hours transit visa normally takes 2 to 3 working days. It is also recommendable to make applications at least 5 days before the date of travel to avoid delays.
Important Tips
This is a single entry visa, which is valid 30 days after it has been issued.
The entry and exit should be via the UAE airports.
Make sure that you have travel insurance in case it is required by the airline or the embassy
Final Thoughts
To make your layover more interesting, it is a good idea to consider a 96 hours transit visa to have a small but deep experience of the UAE. You can see the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, walk along the Dubai Marina, or have fun in the bustling souks of old Dubai, and 4 days is sufficient to get a taste of this vibrant city.
Apply with Confidence through Go Kite Travel
To make your experience stress-free and smooth, consider going to a reliable travel agency where your visa can be applied by Go Kite Travel located in Dubai. Our group will take you through all the steps, including the preparation of documents and their approval, so that you can get the most out of your UAE transit. We have affordable and reliable visa services based on your travel plans whether you are a solo traveller or on a group.
Are you ready to apply? Book your UAE adventure with Go Kite Travel and get started in as little as 96 hours!
