emirates stopover visa 2026 | apply dubai transit visa online 48 & 96 hours

Emirates Stopover E-Visa Guide 2026: How to Apply Online and Requirements

03-Jan-2026 0 Comments 0 Views

Traveling through Dubai with a long layover? The Emirates Stopover E-Visa allows international travelers to legally enter the UAE during transit and experience Dubai for a short stay. Whether you have a 48-hour or 96-hour stopover, this visa turns waiting time into an unforgettable travel experience.

This complete guide explains what a stopover e-visa is, who can apply, visa types, requirements, fees, application steps, and key rules you must know in 2026.

What Is an Emirates Stopover E-Visa?

An Emirates Stopover E-Visa, also called a Dubai Transit Visa, is a short-term UAE visa issued to travelers transiting through Dubai who want to leave the airport and explore the city before continuing to their final destination.

It is:

  • Issued electronically (e-visa)

  • Valid for short stays only

  • Single-entry and non-extendable

  • Meant strictly for transit purposes

Difference Between a Layover and a Stopover

Term Meaning
Layover Short break between flights (usually under 24 hours)
Stopover Longer transit stay (more than 24 hours) allowing city exploration

A stopover e-visa is required if your nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry into the UAE.

Types of Emirates Stopover E-Visas (2026)

48-Hour Transit Visa

  • Valid for 48 hours from entry

  • Single entry

  • Non-extendable

  • Best for quick sightseeing

96-Hour Transit Visa

  • Valid for 96 hours (4 days)

  • Single entry

  • Non-extendable

  • Ideal for short vacations or meetings

If you plan to stay longer than 4 days, you must apply for a UAE tourist visa instead.

Who Can Apply for an Emirates Stopover E-Visa?

You may apply if you:

  • Are transiting through Dubai (DXB or DWC)

  • Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination

  • Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months

  • Require a UAE visa based on nationality

  • Meet airline and UAE immigration requirements

Approval depends on nationality, travel history, and document verification.

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Who Does NOT Need a Stopover E-Visa?

You do not need a transit visa if you:

  • Are eligible for visa-free entry to the UAE

  • Do not plan to leave the airport

  • Hold a UAE residence visa or long-term visit visa

Documents Required for Emirates Stopover E-Visa

Prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Passport copy (minimum 3 months validity)

  • Recent passport-size photo (white background)

  • Confirmed onward flight ticket

  • Hotel booking or UAE accommodation details

All documents must be clear and accurate to avoid delays or rejection.

How to Apply for an Emirates Stopover E-Visa Online

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Choose an authorized UAE visa platform or airline partner

  2. Select 48-hour or 96-hour stopover e-visa

  3. Fill in personal and travel information

  4. Upload required documents

  5. Pay the applicable visa fee securely online

  6. Receive visa approval via email (if approved)

Processing Time: 24–72 working hours

Emirates Stopover E-Visa Fees & Validity

  • Visa Fee: Depends on visa type and service provider

  • Entry Validity: Must enter UAE within 14 days of issuance

  • Stay Duration: 48 or 96 hours from entry time

Fees are non-refundable if the visa is rejected.

Important Rules & Conditions

  • Single-entry only

  • Cannot be extended or renewed

  • Cannot be converted to tourist or residence visa

  • Employment is strictly prohibited

  • Overstaying may lead to fines or future visa bans

Stopover E-Visa vs UAE Tourist Visa

Feature Stopover E-Visa Tourist Visa
Stay Duration 48 / 96 hours 30 / 60 / 90 days
Extendable ❌ No ✅ Yes
Entry Type Single entry Single / Multiple
Best For Transit travelers Vacation stays

Top Things to Do in Dubai During a Stopover

  • Visit Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall

  • Explore Dubai Marina & JBR

  • Enjoy a desert safari

  • Shop at traditional souks

  • Experience Dubai’s nightlife and dining

Even a 48-hour stopover is enough to see Dubai’s highlights.

Conclusion

The Emirates Stopover E-Visa is the perfect solution for travelers who want to turn a Dubai transit into a memorable mini-trip. With simple requirements, fast processing, and short validity, it offers a legal and convenient way to explore the UAE without applying for a full tourist visa.

Always check your eligibility and travel plans before applying to avoid last-minute issues.

Apply Emirates visa online now!

  • Emirates Stopover Visa 2026
  • Dubai Transit Visa 48 hours / 96 hours
  • Emirates E Visa Online application
  • Apply Emirates Visa Online portal
  • Emirates Visa Status tracking
  • Dubai attractions for stopover travelers
  • Emirates transit visa requirements
  • Dubai stopover tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, after you have fulfilled all the requirements of the Emirates transit visa. You can leave the transit zone with an approved Emirates transit visa. The process of acquiring a transit visa for Emirates is now more simple. Check where you need to get Emirates Visa for transit, tourism, and other purposes or not. When you are flying through national airlines of UAE like Emirates airlines or Dubai fly you can get a stopover visa through your airlines.

It depends on your choice and requirements whether you want an Emirates transit visa for a stopover or not. If you have enough time gap between your flight then you should leave the airport to enter Dubai. If the time gap for the next flight is just a few hours. Then you will also get many things to engage in at the airport in Dubai. For long transit hours, you can enter Dubai and enjoy a short tour. Visit some beautiful places explore tourist places and stay in the hotel until your next flight from Dubai airport.

Passengers traveling to Dubai from the UK with a valid passport must present negative RT PCR test results. The COVID test must be negative and taken 48 hours before their visit to Dubai. Certificate UK nationals will be showing should be RT PCR certificate with QR code. 

The stay in Dubai can be 48 hours, which means you will be able to visit or enter the country for two days. Another visa allows visitors to stay in Dubai for 96 hours which is the longer validity visa for transit purposes. 

The stopover e-visa is the transit Emirates visa. The main purpose of anyone applying for Emirates transit e-visa is that they have a stopover in UAE or want to stay for a few hours. This short-term transit visa service was initiated by the United Arab Emirates to make the process easier and fast.

The 96 house stopover visa cost USD 120 for UAE. The 48 hour Dubai visa for stopover costs around USD 70. 

The time you are allowed to stay in Dubai international airport Transit area depends on your Nationality. But mostly the maximum duration is between 8 to 10 hours only.

Yes, you can meet friends and visit relatives if you want. Take the transit visa first to legally enter Dubai and stay until the validity ends. At the same time, it is also possible to visit tourist places in Dubai. You can only attend guests and friends outside the Dubai airport. As outsiders who do not have flight tickets can not enter the transit zone of Dubai airport. If you are planning to meet then apply for an Emirates transit visa.

No, there is no need to cancel your Emirates transit visa if it is not used or still valid. The validity of Emirates transit visas is comparatively shorter than other visas. It will expire soon, therefore, you can apply for a new visa or leave the country without canceling it. Cancelation of Emirates residence visas must be done by expatriates who want to leave the country permanently. 

Yes, after you have fulfilled all the requirements of the Emirates transit visa. You can leave the transit zone with an approved Emirates transit visa. The process of acquiring a transit visa for Emirates is now more simple. Check where you need to get Emirates Visa for transit, tourism, and other purposes or not. When you are flying through national airlines of UAE like Emirates airlines or Dubai fly you can get a stopover visa through your airlines.

If you do not have a transit visa for Emirates then you will be asked not to leave the transition area. You can not go through immigration points without an Emirates transit visa. You can catch the next flight after a short stopover in Dubai without having a transit visa. A transit visa is not required most of the time by foreign countries unless you have to enter the country for any reason.

Passengers flying through international flights can plan a stopover in Dubai. Currently, Dubai has organized the 2020 Dubai expo, which is a great event. You can attend Dubai expo 2020 is staying in the country for a long stopover. Visit Al Shindagha Museum to get along the vibrant history, reverent tradition, culture, and historic water of Dubai creek. See the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, in the mini-tour to Dubai during transit. Dubai is known for luxury cars and shopping you can visit Dubai Mall and other shopping malls. Visit Dubai beaches, you can also plan a desert safari tour if you have enough time. Dubai museum is the underground museum located at Al fahidi fort. You should visit this museum if you want to take a look at old Dubai and to visit one of the oldest buildings. If you are tired of your long flight then you can also rest in a nearby luxury and 5 stars hotel in Dubai with a transit visa.

A stopover visa for Emirates is required for some foreign nationals. Visitors who have a stopover in Dubai and Sharjah are only required to apply for visas to stay more than 8 hours. Any intention of leaving the Emirates transit zone, stopover more than 8 hours, and leaving the airport. Applicants who are not in UAE visa-free countries have to get a transit visa for a stopover.

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