Dubai Transit Visa

No, India is not included in the list of countries that qualify for visa-on-arrival or visa-free-entry. Hence, Indians must have a transit visa before they visit Dubai.

As an Indian citizen, you will need to apply for a transit visa sponsored by a UAE-based airline, which must be processed and approved before you can enter Dubai or the UAE.

However, if you are an Indian national who is a green card holder, a permanent resident or holds a residence visa in the United States of America, United Kingdom or European Union Countries – you will be eligible for visa-on-arrival services.

If this is the case, you can proceed straight to immigration upon disembarking to get a visa-on-arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days.

Disclaimer: The validity periods of the transit visas can vary depending on the UAE-based airline you apply through. For example, Emirates Airlines offers 30-day validity for both types. Always check the validity period offered under your specific UAE-based airline before applying.

To apply for a Dubai transit visa, you will need a sponsor who can apply on your behalf. Only your airline can serve as your sponsor.

If you are travelling through a travel agency, they can help with the process, but it is ultimately the airlines that will arrange your Dubai transit visa. The travel agency can not apply on your behalf.

Also Read: Dubai Visa - Complete Guide To A Dubai Visa Application

Dubai Transit Visa for Indians Apply Online

If you know you will be stopping at Dubai or any other Emirates city, you must first contact your airline to commence your transit visa application process. You can apply through your airline’s official website to get your Dubai transit visa for Indians.

The general online application process will be as follows:

• Visit your airline’s official website.

• Select the transit visa type you wish to apply for.

• Fill out the application form and upload your documents.

• Review your application form and ensure all your details are accurate and up to date.

• Pay your Dubai transit visa for Indian price through your preferred mode of payment.

• Download and save your application receipt and wait for your application to be processed.

• Upon approval, you will receive a copy of your transit visa via email.

• Official UAE-Based Airline Websites:

Etihad Airways - from and to Dubai

Fly Dubai - from and to Dubai

Emirates Airways - from and to Abu Dhabi

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi - from and to Abu Dhabi

Air Arabia - from and to Sharjah

**Offline Application Process for Dubai Transit Visa for Indians: **

Download the application form from either the airline’s official website or VFS Global.

• Fill in the application form.

• Take your application form along with your supporting documents to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

• Submit your application and documents to be verified and pay the applicable fees.

• You will receive your Dubai transit visa for Indians via email or post.

Alternatively, if you are applying through Emirates Airways, you can submit your visa application to any of the addresses listed on their website.

Useful Links:

• List of VFS Global VACs in India

• VFS Global Visa Application Form

• Emirates Airways Application Form

• Emirates Visa Application Addresses (Under Contact Information)

Your visa application form.

Your passport – valid for at least 6 months.

Copy of your passport’s first and last page of information. (Mandatory for Indian passport holders)

Passport-size photo, in line with UAE photo requirements. A 6x6 cm photograph in colour (minimum 600x600 pixels) with a white background (at least 80% of your face should be visible).

Copy of your flight ticket for onward travel to the next or third country.

Proof of accommodation in UAE if your stay exceeds 24 hours.

Important:

Any requested documents must be submitted as hard copies, with their originals for reference, when presenting them at the airport screening counter.

The processing times for Dubai transit visas will vary depending on your airline. Generally, it takes about 3 - 5 working days and transit visas are processed 14 days prior to departure and up to 48 hours before departure.

We highly recommend applying for your Dubai transit visa for Indians as early as possible.

The first thing you must do upon disembarking is head straight to immigration services. There, you will need to present your transit visa and your flight ticket to the next destination.

Immigration authorities at Dubai International Airport often conduct random eye screening for visitors. You will be asked to present a hard copy of your visa or a printed version of your visa number confirmation page if you are selected at random.

If you do not have a hard copy of your visa, you will be charged AED 30 per copy ‑ payable only in AED.

Depending on when your next flight is, you can either wait at the next gate of your flight or head to your hotel. Make sure you are back at the airport on time if you are staying at a hotel overnight.

Indian nationals travelling to or planning to visit Dubai must have travelling insurance.

Although for transit visas this rule may not fully apply since you will not be staying in the country for an extended period. To confirm if this is the case, we suggest double-checking with your airlines on the list of documents you need to have on hand.

In either case, we highly recommend getting a travel insurance policy to be on the safe side. At Tata AIG, we offer international travel insurance online, so you can easily get one to cover your whole trip, including your layovers.

Our travel insurance plans can help cover unexpected emergencies like flight delays, cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Moreover, we also offer 24/7 customer service, so you can contact us anytime from anywhere to claim our services in case of any issues.

Get your travel insurance Dubai policy from Tata AIG today for a stress-free journey!

The Dubai transit visa for Indians is only available for those transiting through Dubai or the UAE.

If you want to stay in Dubai, you must apply for another type of Dubai visa as per your reason for visiting. For example, if you have a job offer, you will need a Dubai Work Visa for Indians.

You can not directly apply for a Dubai transit visa at an Embassy. You must apply through your airline, which will then sponsor your visa application and apply through official sources on your behalf.

Upon approval, the airline will send you a copy of your transit visa via email.

Dubai Transit visas will only be approved if you have proof of onward travel – a flight ticket or ferry ticket to a third destination. Without this, your transit visa application will not be approved.

Ok To Board: You may need an ‘Ok to Board’ approval, depending on your airline. Only some airlines require this, so check in advance.

In this case, even if you have booked a ticket and have your visa approved, you may not be allowed to board your flight unless you have an ‘Ok to Board’ approval.

You need to submit a request to your airline for approval in the format prescribed by the airline.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is subject to change depending on immigration laws and policies. It is recommended to stay updated regarding such changes and confirm the details through an official source before proceeding further.

Information last updated Jan 24. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.