Can I Get a Transit Visa at Abu Dhabi Airport 2026

Quick answer

Yes, eligible travellers can obtain a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi (AUH) Airport for AED 120 or AED 250 respectively. You must hold a valid onward ticket, a passport valid for at least six months, and arrive on an approved airline. Processing takes 30-60 minutes at immigration.

Who qualifies for an Abu Dhabi transit visa?

The UAE offers two main transit visa options at Abu Dhabi Airport: the 48-hour free-of-charge visa for passengers of Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and select codeshare partners, and the paid 96-hour visa available to all other travellers. Both visas allow one entry and are non-extendable. Nationals of countries eligible for visa on arrival can simply enter for 30 days without applying for a transit visa at all.

Step-by-step: getting your transit visa at AUH

1. Before you fly, confirm your airline participates in the transit-visa scheme and print or save your onward ticket.
2. Upon landing, follow the purple “Transit Visa” signs after immigration primary line.
3. Present your passport, onward ticket and completed e-visa application form (available on kiosks or from staff).
4. Pay AED 120 (48 h) or AED 250 (96 h) by card or cash. A fee of AED 50 applies if you request a paper stamp instead of the digital visa.
5. Biometrics are captured on the spot; processing takes 30-60 minutes.
6. Collect your passport with the visa vignette and proceed to the departure gates or exit if your layover allows city entry.

Documents you must carry

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the UAE.
• Confirmed onward ticket out of the UAE within 48 or 96 hours.
• Proof of accommodation if staying in Abu Dhabi city (hotel booking or host address).
• Valid travel or health insurance covering the UAE (recommended but not mandatory for transit visas).

Transit-visa fees in 2026

48-hour visa: AED 120 when purchased at the airport; 96-hour visa: AED 250. Etihad and partner passengers still receive the complimentary 48-hour visa if booked as part of an Etihad itinerary. Verify current fee with ICP before travel because charges occasionally change.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every airline offers the free visa; only specific carriers participate.
• Arriving without proof of onward travel; immigration will refuse the application.
• Planning to extend the visa later; transit visas cannot be extended inside the UAE.
• Applying for a transit visa when you actually qualify for visa on arrival and can stay 30 days free.

Short layover? Consider these alternatives

If your connection is under four hours, you may not have time to clear immigration and re-check. In that case, remain airside; no visa is required. For layovers of 6-10 hours, the 48-hour transit visa gives you enough time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the Louvre Abu Dhabi before returning to the airport. Always build in an extra 90 minutes for visa processing when planning city tours.

Tips from frequent flyers

• Download the official “UAE ICP” app and pre-fill your details to speed up the kiosk process.
• Carry a credit card; some cash machines at AUH run out during busy evening arrivals.
• If you are visa-exempt, simply join the “Visa on Arrival” queue; no need to pay for a transit visa you do not require.
• Book a hotel near the airport if your layover is overnight; Yas Island and Yas Bay offer 24-hour shuttles and late check-in.

Key takeaway

Getting a transit visa at Abu Dhabi Airport is straightforward for most travellers in 2026: confirm eligibility with your airline, carry the right documents, and budget AED 120-250. With the right preparation you can turn a long layover into a memorable first taste of the UAE.