UAE to issue free 48-hour transit visa

The UAE can expect to receive an influx of tourists over the coming months following a recent decision by the UAE cabinet to exempt transit passengers from all entry fees for the first 48 hours of their stay, a report said.

Furthermore, the transit visa can be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of Dh50 ($13.6), a report in WAM said citing an announcement made by the cabinet.

A number of express counters will be set up at the passport control halls across all UAE airports to facilitate the issuance of transit visas, the report said.

According to Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index, Dubai is already the fourth most visited city destination in the world after Bangkok, London, and Paris. The new decision is expected to further boost tourism to the UAE, making it the top destination in the world.