Are You Allowed to Leave the Airport During a Connecting Flight in UAE?

The United Arab Emirates is a major transit point between the major cities of the world in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The UAE has world famous airports such as Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) through which millions of travelers transit the UAE in the course of their layovers. In case you are one of them, you would like to know: Can you leave the airport when you have a connecting flight in UAE?

This will depend on your nationality, visa status and the time you have on the layover. Luckily, the UAE has a special 96 hour UAE Transit visa which gives travelers with short stopovers to leave the airport and visit the city. This temporary visa presents a world of possibilities of touring, shopping and rest in the best destinations in the UAE such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Is it Possible to leave the Airport in the UAE During a Layover?

Yes, when traveling in a connecting flight in the UAE, passengers can leave the airport under the condition they meet some requirements. In case your layover is more than 8 hours and you wish to leave the airport to view the city or enjoy yourself in a hotel, then you should have a valid 96 hour UAE Transit visa or any other valid visa that can allow one to enter the country.

It is necessary to comprehend that not every nationality can enter without a visa or receive the visa on arrival. In these situations, the best option to get out of the airport legally during your stop over is to apply in advance to obtain a 96 hour UAE Transit visa.

What is a 96 Hour UAE Transit Visa?

The 96-hour UAE Transit visa is an entry permit to the UAE that is applicable in a situation whereby a traveler has a stopover in the UAE and the stopover period extends between 8 hours and 96 hours (4 days). This visa enables passengers to get out of the airport and explore what UAE has to offer whether it is a quick tour of the Burj Khalifa, desert safari, perhaps a day in Abu Dhabi at the beach.

The visa is issued once and it is valid 96 hours after entry. It is ideal to transit passengers who need to maximize on their long layovers and have a taste of what UAE is like without having to procure a full tourist visa.

Eligibility Criteria for a 96 Hour UAE Transit Visa

Travelers should possess the following criteria in order to apply to the 96-hour UAE Transit visa:

• Should possess a booked connecting flight to a third point (not returning to point of origin)

• The layover should be more than 8 hours and not more than 96 hours

• Possess a valid passport (at least 6 months validity)

• Have to be traveling by an airline which is based in the UAE (e.g. Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, or FlyDubai)

• Present evidence of accommodation (booking of a hotel or address in UAE)

• The airline or any registered travel agency in the UAE has to sponsor the visa.

Applying to the 96 Hour UAE Transit Visa.

The 96-hour UAE Transit visa can be applied in the following ways:

• Airline: The majority of the airlines in UAE provide transit passenger visa services. You can enrol during the process of booking flight or afterwards via their visa assistance portals.

• Travel Agency: There are authorized travel agencies such as Go Kite Tours which can assist in making your transit visa a smooth process.

• Airport Visa Desks: Some airports do offer last minute transit visa applications, but this is not always available, not advisable in a tight connection.

It usually takes 3-5 business days to process, so do it early.

The 96 Hour UAE Transit Visa benefits

• Easy access to the city: Visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah on your stopover.

• Cheap alternative: It is a cheap alternative to a tourist visa.

• Ideal length of stay: Four days are sufficient to have a mini-vacation or business trip.

• Great for tourists and business travelers: Great to see the sights or to make a fast appointment.

The Sights to See in Your Layover

A 96-hour UAE Transit visa will allow you to visit the best sites in a short time. These are some of the best:

Dubai

• Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world with panoramic view

• Dubai Mall: Shopping, food and indoor entertainment.

• Desert Safari: Dune bashing and old Emirati entertainment

• Dubai Marina: An ideal place to have a waterfront stroll

Abu Dhabi

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: It is one of the biggest mosques in the world.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi: A paradise to art lovers with global displays

• Corniche Beach: Take it easy or ride the cycle track here

Sharjah

• Sharjah Aquarium: Family oriented visit

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Voyage into Arab history and culture

Things You Must Remember

• Unless you are of a visa-exempt country, you cannot leave the airport without a visa.

• Never forget to look at the visa requirements of your country.

• Do not stay too long on your 96 hour UAE Transit visa because there are fines.

• Carry duplicates of all the necessary documents: passport, onward flight ticket, hotel booking and visa approval.

• Allow yourself a little margin of error to get back to the airport and go through immigration to take your next flight.

Who Do Not Need a Transit Visa?

Certain nationalities like passport holders of EU, UK, USA, Australia and a few others are eligible to the visa on arrival and do not require 96 hour UAE Transit visa. But it is always prudent to check your entry requirements first to ensure that you do not run into immigration problems.

Conclusion:

To conclude, yes, you can leave the airport in a connecting flight in the UAE so long as you have the right visa. The 96 hour UAE Transit visa is an intelligent and convenient answer to those travelers who need to pass the time during a long layover and wish to explore UAE without making a longer stay. Even a short transit will help to leave beautiful memories about the travelling experience with the help of efficient public transport, world-class attractions, and vibrant cities.

When you are planning your trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any UAE hub, don t neglect your stopover. Obtain a 96 hour UAE Transit visa beforehand and have a short yet memorable experience of the luxury, culture and innovation that characterize the United Arab Emirates.