Emirates Transit Visa with Etihad Airways in 2026: 48/96-Hour Guide, Requirements & Step-by-Step Application

Thinking of turning your layover into a mini-break? An Emirates Transit Visa lets eligible travelers step out of the airport and enjoy Dubai or Abu Dhabi between flights. This guide focuses on applying via Etihad Airways in 2026, with clear rules, documents, and an updated step-by-step process. Outdated COVID quarantine notes and confusing, unverified restrictions have been removed for accuracy.

What Is an Emirates Transit Visa & When Do You Need It

An Emirates Transit Visa is a short-stay entry permit for travelers transiting through a UAE airport en route to a third country. If your nationality isn’t visa-exempt or eligible for visa on arrival, and you want to leave the airport for a few hours or days, you’ll typically need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa.

Use it to rest at a hotel, meet clients, or check off must-see sights—without committing to a long tourist visa.

48-Hour vs 96-Hour Emirates Transit Visa: Quick Comparison

48-Hour Transit Visa: Best for Short Layovers

• Stay: up to 48 hours (single entry)

• Ideal for: overnight rest, one or two quick attractions, short meetings

• Extendable: no (cannot be upgraded to 96 hours after issuance)

96-Hour Transit Visa: More Time to Explore

• Stay: up to 96 hours / 4 days (single entry)

• Ideal for: city tours, multiple meetings, Abu Dhabi + Dubai combo

• Extendable: no

Eligibility & Key Rules for 2026

• You must be transiting the UAE and continuing to a third country.

• You need a confirmed onward ticket within 48 or 96 hours of entry.

• Passport validity: generally 6+ months on the date of entry.

• Some nationalities may be visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival; those travelers do not need a transit visa.

• Visa issuance is always at the discretion of UAE immigration.

Removed misinformation: blanket statements like “women under 30 and traveling alone may not get a visa” are not policy. All applications are assessed individually against current immigration rules.

Emirates Transit Visa Requirements: Documents Checklist

Prepare clear, color scans (no black-and-white) of:

• Passport bio page (and last page if it contains important data) — 6+ months validity

• Recent photo on a white background (taken within the last 3 months)

• Confirmed onward ticket to a third country

• Residence proof if living in a country different from your nationality (e.g., residence visa/permit)

• (If asked) Prior travel history/visas (e.g., UAE/US/UK/CA/AU/NZ)

Format accepted: JPEG/JPG/PDF.

How to Apply for an Etihad Transit Visa — Step by Step

Create/Locate Your Booking & Pick Visa Type

• Start with your Etihad booking details.

• Choose 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa based on your layover. Decide now—no later upgrades.

Complete the Application Accurately

• Enter exact passport data (name, number, dates).

• Match flight numbers and arrival/departure times to your itinerary.

Upload Clear, Color Scans

• Upload passport bio page, (last page if applicable), photo, onward ticket, and residence proof (if relevant).

• Ensure readability—avoid glare, cropping, or blur.

Pay Securely & Track Updates

• Pay the applicable fee online using an accepted card/method.

• You’ll receive status updates by email; respond promptly if additional info is requested.

Receive e-Visa & Prepare for Arrival

• Approved visas arrive by email (PDF). Print a copy and carry it with your passport and tickets.

• Your stay clock starts from the entry stamp at immigration.

Processing Time, Validity & Duration Rules

• Typical processing: ~2–4 working days (varies by nationality/season).

• Entry validity: often up to 30 days from issuance to enter; once you enter, your 48/96-hour stay begins.

• No extensions or conversions: a 48-hour visa cannot be converted to 96 hours after issue.

Practical Tips for Smooth Approval

• Book flights that fit neatly within 48 or 96 hours (allow buffer for traffic and airport formalities).

• Keep hotel details handy (recommended, especially for 96 hours).

• Ensure your passport photo meets background/recency standards.

• Use color scans and name your files clearly (e.g., Passport_Bio_Firstname.pdf).

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejection

• Choosing the wrong duration. Decide 48 vs 96 before applying.

• Low-quality scans (cropped/blurred/black-and-white). Always upload color scans.

• Mismatched itinerary. Onward ticket must show you leave within 48/96 hours.

• Passport under 6 months validity. Renew first if needed.

What to Do on a 48–96-Hour Stopover

• 48 hours: Dubai Mall + Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina evening walk, Old Dubai souks.

• 96 hours: Add Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre, a desert safari, beach time on Saadiyat/Jumeirah, or a dhow cruise.

Why Apply Through Our Professional Service

• Accuracy first: Expert file checks reduce back-and-forth and refusals.

• Speed & visibility: Guided submission with proactive status nudges.

• Privacy & security: Your documents handled in secure workflows.

• End-to-end help: From choosing 48/96 hours to itinerary timing advice.

Risks of Unverified/Last-Minute Airport Applications

• Uncertain outcomes at the airport; approval is not guaranteed.

• Time pressure can lead to errors or missed connections.

• Exposure to scams or inflated fees with unverified agents.
  Apply online in advance with trusted support to minimize risk.

FAQs: Emirates Transit Visa via Etihad

• Can I get a transit visa on arrival? Transit visas are typically pre-arranged; on-arrival policies differ from transit schemes.

• How long can I stay after expiry? You cannot stay past 48/96 hours; overstay penalties apply.

• Is COVID-era quarantine still required? No routine quarantine rules apply in 2026; follow current health advisories if any are reintroduced.

• Do I need a hotel booking? Not always mandatory, but recommended, especially for 96 hours.

• Who issues the visa? UAE immigration; applications are submitted through authorized channels (e.g., airline partners).

Call to Action: Apply for Your Emirates Transit Visa

Turn your layover into a memorable micro-trip. Apply for your Emirates Transit Visa through our website and get expert support from document prep to approval—fast, secure, and compliant.