🛂 UAE Transit Visa for Indian Citizens (2026)
Eligibility, documents and process — plus a free fee calculator on the main /visa page.
Quick answer
Indian passport holders are eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival only with a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, or Canadian visa or residence permit. Otherwise a pre-arranged Transit Visa is required, obtainable through an airline, licensed travel agency, or UAE-based sponsor.
Eligibility for Indian passport holders
Visa-on-arrival is available for Indian passport holders carrying a valid US visa, US Green Card, UK residence permit, or EU Schengen residence visa. The UAE has also extended visa-on-arrival eligibility to Indians holding residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. Without one of these, a pre-arranged visa is required.
India hosts the largest expatriate community in the UAE.
About the UAE Transit Visa
Short-stay visa for travellers transiting through a UAE airport (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah). Issued in 48-hour and 96-hour formats.
Typical documents
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Confirmed onward flight ticket departing the UAE within 48 or 96 hours of arrival
- Confirmed connecting flight on a UAE-based airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia)
- Passport-size photograph
How Indian citizens typically apply
Applications for Indian passport holders are typically routed through the following authorized channels:
- VFS Global
- Emirates Airlines
- flydubai
- Etihad Airways
- Licensed UAE travel agencies
Nearest UAE diplomatic mission: New Delhi (Embassy); Mumbai and Hyderabad (Consulates).
Notes specific to Indian applicants
- Indian applicants typically qualify on one of three grounds: travel history (at least one international trip in the last 3 years, or a valid US / UK / Schengen visa), financial proof (e.g. ITR with adequate income for the last 2 years), or sponsorship from an immediate family member already residing in the UAE.
- VFS Global is the most common processing partner for Indian applicants.
Common rejection reasons
- Onward ticket date exceeds the transit visa validity window
- Connecting flight not on a UAE-sponsored carrier
- Passport validity below 6 months
- Previous UAE visa violation
Process notes
- Transit visas are sponsored by the UAE-based airline operating the connecting flight.
- Both 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas must be arranged in advance — they cannot be obtained at the airport on arrival.
- The 48-hour transit visa is generally free through UAE-based airlines; the 96-hour transit visa carries a government fee.
- Transit visas are not extendable. For longer stays, apply for a regular tourist visa.
- For an estimate of current fees, use the calculator on the main UAE Visa page.
Get current fees and currency conversion
Visa fees change periodically and are quoted in AED. Use these free tools to estimate costs in your currency:
Planning the move itself?
FAQ
Visa-on-arrival is available for Indian passport holders carrying a valid US visa, US Green Card, UK residence permit, or EU Schengen residence visa. The UAE has also extended visa-on-arrival eligibility to Indians holding residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. Without one of these, a pre-arranged visa is required.
Short-stay visa for travellers transiting through a UAE airport (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah). Issued in 48-hour and 96-hour formats.
A UAE Transit Visa is typically valid for 48 hours or 96 hours from arrival. It cannot be extended; for longer stays, a different visa category is needed.
Typical documents include: Passport with at least 6 months validity; Confirmed onward flight ticket departing the UAE within 48 or 96 hours of arrival; Confirmed connecting flight on a UAE-based airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia); Passport-size photograph. Specific requirements may vary by sponsor and emirate.
Fees vary by visa duration, sponsor, and processing speed. For an up-to-date estimate, use the free UAE Visa Fee Calculator on the main /visa page.