Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
20 November 2024 | 13 min read
Are you planning to layover in Dubai on your way to another country? Well, depending on your nationality you will need to get a visa to stay in Dubai as you wait to connect a flight to another country. If you will need a visa, you should apply for it before you arrive in Dubai to avoid any inconveniences. If you are in a hurry to get the visa you may opt for the express visa service and get the visa in just 2 to 4 hours.
Continue reading this blog to know if you need to get a visa to layover in Dubai, and the types of transit visa available.
If you are from a country that is eligible for the Dubai on arrival visa, you do not need any visa to enter Dubai. On the other hand if you don’t qualify for this on arrival visa, you will need to get either a transit visa or a prepaid visa. You can stay in Dubai as you wait for your next flight to your destination for up to 96 hours when you apply for the Layover visa in Dubai.
Most people view layovers as inconveniences but UAE government has taken it as an opportunity to welcome more visitors willing to explore their country. The government and management of Dubai International Airport has upgraded the facilities and infrastructure at the airport so as to cater for the needs of layover passengers.
They have developed and put in place luxurious amenities and diverse entertainment options to ensure the passengers have a great experience during their layover. This has turned a once perceived inconvenience to a mini adventure.
Layovers can be so confusing to the traveler on whether to remain at the airport throughout the period or explore the city as they wait to move to their next destination. If you decide to explore the city you need to have a visa to Dubai.
There are factors that determine whether you should stay in the airport or you can explore the city.
It is a compulsory requirement to have a visa before leaving the airport to explore the city. The government has come up with offers to citizens of specific countries who can explore the country visa free for up to 96 hours. If you are not eligible for this visa free access, you need to get a transit visa or a tourist visa.
The citizens from countries that need prepaid visa to Dubai need to explore available visa options such as a transit visa or tourist visa. If you have all the required documents, you can get the visa and explore during your layover.
If you are on layover in Dubai and plan to explore Dubai, you need to look at your flight schedule to determine whether you will have ample time to check in and get cleared before the flight time. If the layover does not give you enough time you might have to consider staying within the airport and enjoy the provided luxurious amenities.
Dubai Transit visa is a short tem visa that allows one to leave the airport and explore the country during a layover. All travelers who need a prepaid tourist visa to Dubai must get a transit visa if they wish to explore Dubai over the layover period. Below are the types of transit visas available;
If you are transiting through Dubai, you can apply for a 48-hour transit visa which will be valid for two days. You need to apply the visa in advance before getting to Dubai though a reputable travel agency such as Arabiers or the UAE based airline.
This visa is valid for only 48 hours and it cannot be extended or renewed. You need to ensure that you have departed UAE within the 48 hours. This is ideal to those who wish to just explore the bustling City of Dubai for hours and back to the airport.
Passengers transiting through Dubai International airport can apply for 96 hours’ transit visa which allows them to stay and explore the country for 4 days. This visa must be applied in advance though a local travel agency such as Arabiers or UAE based airline.
A transit visa cannot be renewed or extended, so you have to exit the country before the end of 96 hours’ validity.
You need to meet some conditions to be eligible for a Dubai Transit visa. The government has put measures in place to ensure that every person who transits through Dubai and wishes to explore the country during the layover have the proper documentation. The requirements include:
If you are looking for a transit visa for Dubai, you must have a valid passport or a recognized travel documents valid for at least three months.
You must produce a colored photo of yourself against a white background. This photo is subject to international standards for a visa photo.
To get the transit visa the passenger must be in procession of a ticket to their next destination. The destination must not be the country you are coming from. This serves as proof that you are in UAE on transit.
Dubai airport and the City in general has got everything for everyone. Whether you are a lover of culture, luxury, comfort and any other form of entertainment, Dubai offers you an opportunity to utilize the layover time into memorable adventure. Some of the tips you need during your layover include:
If you are a shopping enthusiast Dubai Airport is a haven of duty free shops. You can enjoy the designer boutiques, reputable brands such as Gucci, Prada and Luis Vuitton. You can also visit the art shops for some beautiful Emirati crafts and souvenirs that will serve as a memory for the beautiful moments in Dubai.
You can escape from the busy airport environment and enjoy some peace and serenity at the Zen Garden in terminal 3. You will enjoy watching the cascading waterfalls, lush greenery and enjoy the peace. You can relax as you enjoy your favorite read.
If you feel tired and worn out after a long flight you can opt for a relaxing spa treatment at the airport spa of your choice. Get some soothing massage that will calm your muscles, get a facial massage to restore your facial complexion and you can also get professional manicure to have your nails and hands pampered.
Dubai International airport has numerous luxury lounges that offer complementary WIFI to their guests so as to access internet connectivity. You can take advantage of this to connect with your family and friends as you relax during your layovers. If you have pending work that is due you can also take that chance to work and beat the deadlines.
Dubai airport does not just offer transit, shopping and dining services. It is a home of vibrant and diverse art collection that represent both modern world and the cultural heritage across all the terminals. During your layovers you can enjoy a solo tour as you enjoy the creativity on display.
You can immerse yourself in the underwater world at the Dubai Aquarium and underwater Zoo. This facility is conveniently located within terminal 3 of the airport. Ge a chance to witness the beauty of marine life which includes the sharks, playful dolphins to colorful reef fish and beautiful sea turtles. Visit the underwater tunnel and get to see the difference of aquatic ecosystems.
If you are on layover and you have an acquired a visa to allow you explore Dubai, venture into the heart of Dubai. Visit the vibrant Dubai mall, the famous Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Frame among other iconic places in the city. There are also fun activities you can do such as taking a traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or skiing at the Dubai Ice Rink.
If you have enough time you can plan for a day trip to the neighboring Emirate of Sharjah. Visit the museums and experience the rich cultural diversity of UAE. Get a chance to witness the architectural magnificent of the Sharjah Mosque.
You can plan on a day trip at the Arabian desert on a thrilling 4X4. Get an opportunity to experience dune bashing, camel rides and traditional barbeques under the stars.
Deira Gold souk is the most famous gold shopping point in Dubai but sometimes, due to time constraints it might be difficult to visit Deira. However, you can shop for gold jewelry collection at duty free offers during your layover by visiting some outlets within the terminals.
If you are a lover of Jewelry you can get yourself some impressive gold jewelry, diamonds, pearls and precious stones.
You do not need a transit visa if you have a 3 hours’ layover at the Dubai airport. You are however required to remain within the airport transit area throughout.
If you intend to leave the airport during your layover you will require a transit visa. You need to apply for the visa in time prior to arriving in the airport because it takes time to get processed.
The condition for using UAE transit visa includes having a valid passport with at least 3 months’ validity. You also need to produce an onward ticket indicating your next destination which should not be the as the origin.
Dubai transit visa takes 3 to 4 days to be processes but depending on the airline it might take longer. It is advisable to apply at least a week earlier to avoid last minute rush. However, you can opt for Dubai express visa if you need it within hours.
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