UAE visa information 

Check whether you need to apply for a UAE visa 

Do I need a visa?

Check the list of countries below to see whether you’re eligible for a visa on arrival. Not eligible? You’ll need to apply for a visa before you fly. This also applies if you’re transiting through Abu Dhabi and plan to leave the airport.

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Transit visa – Single entry – 48 or 96 hours

Need a visa for a short trip or stopover in Abu Dhabi? You can apply for a visa with Etihad Airways to stay for two to four days in the UAE.​ Check the mandatory requirements below before you apply.

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Submit your completed application form with a colour photograph and a copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months at the time of travel. You need a confirmed ticket to Abu Dhabi and onward to a third destination.

  •  Valid for entry within: 30 days  
  •  Valid for: 48 or 96 hours  
  •  Number of entries: Single entry  
  •  Visa fee: 48 hours = AED 55  
  •  Visa fee: 96 hours = AED 216  
  •  Extendable: No 

Children and dependents

Find out how to apply for a visa for your children or dependents travelling with you.

Children and minors

Apply for the same visa type as yours and include a birth certificate in English or Arabic. Translated documents must be attested on the first page. 

For minors, including married females under the age of 18: 

  • Parent or husband’s photo ID is required, plus a copy of  a parents’ tourist visa sponsored by Etihad  
  • Etihad will not sponsor unaccompanied minors and students  
  • Females under the age of 18 or students must travel with their parents  
  • Only machine-readable passports will be accepted  

Dependents 

Dependents are defined as a spouse, children below the age of 18 and parents above the age of 60. You must submit supporting documents that prove the status of the relationship, for example, marriage certificate or birth certificate. 

Track your visa

Visas take around four business days to be processed. Please wait at least five days after submitting your application to track the progress of your visa. You’ll need your application and passport numbers to do this. 

Applied through a travel agent? Speak to them for an update. 

Track your visa

Submitting your visa application

You can currently only apply for a transit visa with Etihad Airways. Documents must be submitted in JPEG format and must not exceed 1MB. 

You may also be requested to provide additional supporting documents. Your application may be rejected if these are not provided

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Frequently asked questions

Your visa must be used within its period of validity. If you postpone your trip past this date, you will have to re-apply. Visa application fees are non-refundable.

The standard size for a UAE visa photo is 4.3cm by 5.5cm.

You are permitted to leave the airport if you have a transit visa. If your transit time is more than 24 hours, you must either arrange a confirmed hotel reservation or provide the Emirates ID card and UAE Residence visa copy of the person you will be staying with in the UAE.

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