If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, or you’re a GCC citizen, you do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the UAE. If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, you will be required to apply for a visa. This also applies if you’re transiting through Abu Dhabi and plan to leave the airport.
If you’re a GCC citizen, you can simply present your passport or national ID card when you arrive in Abu Dhabi; you do not require a visa or permit, or to be sponsored by a UAE national or resident.
All visas are valid for entry into the UAE from the date of issue. Entry into the UAE is subject to the verification of your documents by UAE authorities at the point of entry.
For visas to any country or destination other than the UAE, contact your local embassy or consulate, or ask our chat bot.
Valid as of 18/10/2024
If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, you don’t need to apply for a visa before you travel to the UAE. If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, you will be required to apply for a visa if you are planning to visit the UAE.
Transit visas only permit guests to stay in Abu Dhabi for up to 4 days (96 hours).
For longer stays we recommend contacting a tour operator or your local UAE embassy for alternative ways to apply.
For guests transiting through Zayed International Airport for eight to 48 hours and travelling onward to a third destination from Abu Dhabi.
Valid for entry within: 30 days
Valid for: 48 hours
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 55
Extendable: No
Mandatory requirements
Children
Dependents
Minors (under 18 years old)
Submitting your visa application
Additional documents
For guests transiting through Zayed International Airport for eight to 96 hours and travelling onward to a third destination from Abu Dhabi.
Valid for: 96 hours
Visa fee: AED 216
Transit visas take around four business days to be processed, so be sure to apply well in advance of your flight. If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, there’s no need to apply before you travel. All fees are non-refundable. Ticket rebooking and cancellations will be subject to ticket conditions. We recommend booking a Deluxe fare for the best policy protection.
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.
If you’ve applied for a UAE visa through a travel agent, speak to them to follow up on your application.
Click here to track application
For UAE transit visas:
+971 60 056 0050 (Available 24/7)
info@visaonline.ae
Transit visas requested via etihad.com can only be used to enter the UAE through Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. All other visas apply to all airports in the UAE.
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.
No. If you hold a Diplomatic passport, you must apply for a visa through the diplomatic channel. If you hold a Service passport or Emergency travel documents, please visit the UAE Embassy in your country of residence to apply for a UAE visa before you travel.
The UAE Immigration department requires all visitors to have a passport that is valid for
To enter the UAE, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival. If your passport expires before then, you must renew it before applying for a visitor or transit visa.
We recommend that you apply well in advance of your trip. It usually takes three to four business days (Monday to Friday) to process a visa application. Applications will not be processed at the weekend or during UAE public holidays.
Additional credit or debit card fees may apply for online visa applications.
Your visa is valid for entry from the issue date.
All visa applications are processed by the UAE immigration authorities. As an airline, we are unable to provide any information about why a visa application has been rejected.
Entry into the UAE is subject to the verification of your documents at the point of entry.
When you travel with Etihad Airways, you are our Guest. This document uses the reference "Guests" by which we define "passengers"