Dubai, the land of glittering skyscrapers, airport purchasing malls the scale of small cities and a stopover hotspot for South Africans flying nearly wherever. However right here’s the query that South Africans transiting by means of all the time ask: Do I want a visa to transit by means of Dubai? Let’s break down every little thing that you must know concerning the Dubai Transit Visa.
Do South Africans want a transit visa for Dubai?
Quick reply: Not all the time.
- Layover below 8 hours, staying within the airport: No visa required.
- Layover longer than 8 hours, however you stay within the transit space: Nonetheless no visa required.
- Planning to go away the airport for sightseeing, purchasing or a lodge keep: Sure, you’ll want to use for a Dubai Transit Visa earlier than you journey.
Professional tip: Emirates and FlyDubai can assist organize your transit visa once you ebook with them. At all times verify along with your airline earlier than you fly.
How lengthy is a Dubai transit visa legitimate for?
Dubai has two transit visa choices for South Africans:
- 48 hour Transit Visa – Freed from cost, excellent for a fast stopover.
- 96 hour Transit Visa – AED 50 (±R240), perfect if you would like just a few days to discover.
Each should be organized earlier than departure. You’ll be able to’t simply “purchase one on the counter.”
What are the South African transit visa necessities for Dubai?
Right here’s the quick-and-dry record of what you’ll want:
- A legitimate South African passport (no less than 6 months earlier than expiry).
- a photograph of self in opposition to a white background
- A confirmed onward ticket (it’s essential to show you’re truly in transit).
- A lodge reserving if you happen to’re planning to step out of the airport.
- Visa utility by means of your airline (Emirates or FlyDubai are your finest bets).
Do I want a visa if I’m solely connecting flights in Dubai?
- Should you’re flying straight by means of and your connection is brief, you received’t want a transit visa.
- In case your connection is lengthy and also you’re tempted to ditch the terminal for some shawarma, you’ll want one.
Mainly: Airport sofa = no visa. Dubai journey = visa required.
How do I apply for a transit visa?
- By way of your airline: Emirates and FlyDubai can course of purposes on-line.
- Processing time: Normally 3–5 working days, so don’t go away it to the final minute.
What is required for a transit visa utility?
- a passport or journey doc with a minimal validity of three months
- an onward ticket reserving to a third vacation spot, aside from the one you might be coming from.
FAQs
Is the Dubai transit visa free?
Sure. The 48-hour visas are free however the 96-hour possibility comes with a price ticket.
How a lot is a Dubai Transit Visa?
The 96-hour Dubai Transit visa is AED 50 (about R240) as of September 2025.
Is the Dubai transit visa renewable or extendable?
Nope. The transit Visa is non-renewable and can’t be prolonged. That means it’s a must to ensure which one you need earlier than you apply.
Can I get a Dubai visa on arrival as a South African?
No, South African passport holders do not qualify for a visa on arrival in Dubai.
Can I go away Dubai airport and not using a visa?
No. Even when it’s only for contemporary air, sorry, you want that transit visa.
What occurs if I don’t have a transit visa?
You’ll be caught within the airport lounge, staring longingly at Obligation Free fragrance you don’t even need.
Now that you realize concerning the Dubai Transit Visa…
So, do South Africans want a visa to transit by means of Dubai? Should you’re simply connecting flights and staying inside DXB, you’re good. If you wish to step out into Dubai’s glittering skyline, you’ll want to use for a transit visa upfront.
