Travelling through UAE? Here's how you can get a free visa

During one of the busiest times to travel, UAE is a much preferred choice for travellers around the world. However, if you're on a multi-country trip, going through the hassle of getting a 14-day tourist visa may be hard and not worth the expense.

If you fulfill the conditions for visa on arrival in UAE, you can get one for 14-days. If you are not eligible or if you don't have the time, a free transit visa is the way to go

A transit visa is approved when you land at one of UAE's airports but have a different final destination on your trip - for example, Kochi through Dubai to Amsterdam

To get a transit visa, you need to have an interval of at least eight hours between your arrival in UAE and departure to your final destination.

If you have the requisite tickets, the next step is to apply for a transit visa ahead of your trip. Only UAE-approved airlines can process your transit visa applications, and therefore applicants are advised to apply not less than two weeks in advance.

You also need to have confirmed hotel reservations for the period of stay - either 48 hours or 96 hours - depending on the visa you applied for.

So what is free? A transit visa of 48 hours is approved free of charge if all other terms and conditions are met. You can explore the UAE for two whole days without paying a dime towards entry and exit.

However, if you plan on staying for 96 hours or 4 days, you have to pay Dh50. Neither visa is extendable.

Tourist visas and visit visas are issued for periods from 14 days up to three months. Employment on any kind of temporary visa is illegal in the UAE