Transit visa for Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Who can connect at Zayed International Airport, United Arab Emirates, without a visa: an airside transfer on one ticket, staying in the international transit area.
- Indian passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed for an airside connection on one ticket to a third country while you stay in the transit area. Airlines expect you to fly on within 24 hours.
- Pakistani passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed for an airside connection on one ticket to a third country while you stay in the transit area. Airlines expect you to fly on within 24 hours.
- Bangladeshi passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed for an airside connection on one ticket to a third country while you stay in the transit area. Airlines expect you to fly on within 24 hours.
- Sri Lankan passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed for an airside connection on one ticket to a third country while you stay in the transit area. Airlines expect you to fly on within 24 hours.
- Nepali passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed for an airside connection on one ticket to a third country while you stay in the transit area. Airlines expect you to fly on within 24 hours.
Leaving the airport during the layover
You need a visa arranged in advance: a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa through a UAE airline (Emirates, flydubai or Etihad), or a tourist visa. Indians holding a valid US visa or green card, or a qualifying UK, EU or other residence permit, can get a 14-day visa on arrival.
Watch out
A self-transfer on separate tickets means passing passport control to collect and check in bags, so you need a visa. Changing airports (Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah) also means entering the UAE.
Checked on 25 October 2026 against these sources. Transit rules change often, and the airline and the immigration authority have the final say, so confirm with your airline before you travel.