How long can I stay with a Sharjah transit visa?

The visa allows a maximum stay of 96 hours from the time of entry.

Do I need a hotel booking to get the visa?

No hotel booking is required for the 96-hour transit visa at Sharjah Airport.

Can I extend the transit visa after arrival?

No, the 96-hour transit visa cannot be extended; you must leave the UAE before it expires.

Which airlines issue Sharjah transit visas?

Air Arabia, IndiGo, Wizz Air, and flydubai currently offer the service—verify with your carrier.

Is the AED 120 fee refundable if refused?

No, the fee is non-refundable if immigration declines the visa for any reason.

Can I Get a Transit Visa at Sharjah Airport in 2026?

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Quick answer

Yes, you can obtain a transit visa on arrival at Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) if your layover is 8–96 hours, your airline participates, and you hold a valid onward ticket. The 96-hour visa costs AED 120 and is issued at the immigration counter after you land.

Who qualifies for a Sharjah Airport transit visa?

Sharjah Airport issues transit visas only to passengers whose final destination is outside the UAE and whose layover is long enough to clear immigration. You must:

Hold a passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
Show a confirmed onward ticket departing within 96 hours.
Have no UAE visa ban or overstay record.
Be travelling on an airline that offers the service (Air Arabia, IndiGo, Wizz Air, flydubai, and selected codeshare partners).

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

1. Before you board

Check your airline’s website or call its call centre to confirm the transit-visa-on-arrival service is active for your flight in 2026. Save the confirmation email.

2. On arrival at Sharjah Airport

Follow the purple “Visa on Arrival” signs after disembarking. Join the queue marked “Transit Visa.” Have your passport, boarding pass, and onward ticket ready—immigration officers usually process the visa in 10–15 minutes.

3. Payment and collection

Pay the AED 120 fee in cash or card (verify current fee with ICP). Your passport receives a visa sticker; you can now exit the airside area and enter the UAE for up to 96 hours.

4. During your transit

Take a taxi (AED 60–80 to central Sharjah or AED 90–110 to Dubai) or the E11 bus to spend time outside the airport. Keep your onward boarding pass safe—you’ll need it to re-enter airside.

5. Departure

Return to the airport at least three hours before your next flight. Use the same transit-visa lane to re-clear immigration.

Common mistakes travellers make

Assuming every airline offers the service—low-cost carriers sometimes don’t.
Arriving with a passport valid for less than six months.
Booking an onward ticket that departs after 96 hours, which voids eligibility.
Forgetting to carry cash or a working card for the fee.

Transit visa vs. visa on arrival vs. visa required

Compare your options in 2026:

Visa type	Stay allowed	Cost	Best for
96-hour transit (SHJ)	Up to 96 hours	AED 120	Long layovers, quick city visit
Visa on arrival (DXB, AUH)	30 or 90 days	Free or AED 300	Full tourist stay
Visa required	Full tourist stay	Apply in advance	Passport holders not eligible for VOA

Tips for a smooth Sharjah transit

Download the RTA Dubai taxi app or Careem before you land for cash-free rides.
Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on if you plan to leave the airport.
Check prayer-room and shower locations on the airport map if you have a long layover.
Keep AED 300 in small notes for taxis, SIM cards, and meals outside.

What if my layover is under 8 hours?

Stay airside. Sharjah Airport has free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour prayer room, smoking lounge, and several F&B outlets that accept card. No visa is required if you never cross immigration.

Key takeaway

A Sharjah Airport transit visa is one of the easiest ways to turn a long layover into a quick UAE visit in 2026. Confirm eligibility with your airline, carry the right documents, and you can be in a Sharjah souq or Dubai mall within two hours of landing—all for AED 120.