Have a layover of less than 2 days in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? The UAE 48-hour transit visa is the cheapest way out of the terminal — often completely free when applied through your airline at ticket booking. Through Arihant Travel it’s AED 200 with 2 working-day processing and a 24-hour express option for tight connections.
Who needs the 48-hour transit visa?
- You hold a pre-arranged-visa passport (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, most African nations).
- You have a layover under 48 hours at Dubai (DXB / DWC) or Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- You want to step out of the terminal — even for a few hours at a hotel near the airport.
- Your onward flight is within 48 hours of UAE arrival.
How to get it free via airline
All four major UAE carriers offer the 48-hour transit visa as a free add-on to qualifying passengers:
- Emirates — "Dubai Connect" stopover package, includes free 48-hour visa, free hotel and meals for connections over 8 hours.
- Etihad — free transit visa for Etihad-ticketed passengers with eligible connections.
- flydubai — free 48-hour visa via the flydubai visa portal at booking.
- Air Arabia — free 48-hour transit visa for Sharjah-airport connections.
Apply 7+ days before your flight via the airline’s "manage booking" section. Approval typically comes in 24–72 hours.
If the airline route isn’t available — via Arihant
If your airline doesn’t offer it (most non-UAE carriers), or you missed the booking window, we file it through ICA for AED 200 all-in. This includes:
- UAE government 48-hour transit visa fee
- Free document pre-check
- Submission and tracking
- Visa PDF delivered to your email
Processing 2 working days. 24-hour express available for AED 350 if your layover is imminent.
Documents required
- Passport copy (6+ months valid)
- Passport photo (white background)
- Confirmed onward flight within 48 hours of UAE arrival
- Hotel booking optional for 48-hour (required for 96-hour)
48-hour vs 96-hour vs tourist visa
| Option | Stay | Cost | Hotel needed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour transit | 2 days | Free via airline / AED 200 via us | No | Short layovers, no plans |
| 96-hour transit | 4 days | From AED 250 | Yes | Stopovers with tours |
| 30-day tourist | 30 days | From AED 350 | Recommended | Full Dubai holiday |
What can you do in 48 hours?
Realistically: a half-day Dubai city tour + 1 marquee activity (Burj Khalifa OR desert safari OR Dubai Frame). Sleep at an airport-area hotel. We can pre-book any of these in 30 minutes — ask on WhatsApp.