Dubai is a great stopover for Indians because of its attractions, luxury, and rich culture. When travelers have a layover in Dubai that lasts between 8 to 24 hours, they usually need a transit visa. This visa allows travelers to explore Dubai during the time period of their stopover.
Dubai offers a wide range of activities that you can enjoy even in a short visit. Travelers can enjoy cultural experiences such as desert safaris or even try traditional Arabian food. Getting a transit visa not only makes the travel break interesting but also turns your short stopover into a memorable adventure. Dubai Visa Services provides travelers with two options for transit visas, 48 hours transit visa and 96 hours transit visa. In this post, there is detailed information on how you can get your Dubai transit visa as an Indian and its requirements.
Eligibility for Dubai Transit Visa for Indians
If you are an Indian planning for a stopover in Dubai, you need to apply for a transit visa. The exact time limit. Indian citizens who have U.S. visas, green cards, and U.K. resident permits can get 14-day visas on arrival in the UAE. However, it is important to confirm their eligibility with UAE immigration or their chosen airline.
If you are stopping at the airport for a very short time you can stay at the airport transit area. In that case, you don’t need to apply for a transit visa. But if you are planning to leave the airport and want to explore Dubai, you need to apply for a transit visa.
Types of Dubai Transit Visas for Indians
There are two main types of transit visas that Indians can apply for depending on their plans. Here are these two types of visas:
48 hours transit visa
The 48-hour transit visa Dubai is for those Indian travelers who want a short layover in the UAE. It allows a single entry and a stay-up to 48 hours. It can not be extended and it’s free of charge.
96 hours transit visa
The 96-hour transit visa Dubai allows Indian travelers to stay in Dubai for up to 4 days. The day you arrive counts as the first day and you must leave before midnight on the fourth day. It takes 3 to 4 days to process this visa. INR 1137 is the cost of applying for this visa
The Application Process for a Dubai Transit Visa
Applying through your chosen airline’s website
This is the most common method considered by travelers to get their transit visa. Here is the process of how to apply for it:
First, go to the website of the airline that you have chosen.
You will see a section for visa application, usually under the options, “travel information” or “visa services”.
After that, fill out the online application form with the correct details from your passport to travel plans.
After that, you need to upload the required documents such as your passport details, recently taken passport-sized photos, and proof of your flight booking.
Check the information again that you have entered to make sure it’s correct.
Pay the visa processing fee through the secure payment gateway on the website.
Applying through a travel agent
Taking the help of a travel agent can make applying for a visa easier, especially if you are not familiar with the process. However, it is not required and depends on you, whether you want their help or not.
Documents Required for Dubai Transit Visa
A visa application form
Your passport (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages).
Colored passport-sized photo
A confirmed flight ticket for your Dubai traveling
Proof of accommodation in the UAE if you are staying more than 24 hours.
Travel health insurance
Financial proof that you are capable of supporting your trip
Fees Associated with Dubai Transit Visa
You can apply for free to get a 48-hour transit visa. However, for applying 96-hour transit visa to Dubai, the fee is AED 50 which is like 1137 Indian rupees. You can pay for a Dubai transit visa using cash, credit card, or demand draft. Emirates recommends using Visa or MasterCard ( credit or debit) for such kinds of payments.
Processing Time and Visa Approval
A Dubai transit visa usually takes 3 to 4 working days to process. You will get an e-mail with the visa approval and a copy of the visa attached. Make sure to check your email often after applying for your transit visa to stay updated about the notification.
These are the important things that you need to know for a hassle-free process of getting your transit visa. However, it is a very easy process especially when you apply from the official website of your chosen airline. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, Culture Explorer Tours (tour operators in Dubai) can provide you with great packages