No UAE transit visa ban on Pakistanis, says ambassador

48-hour and 96-hour transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines

Business Desk - Feb 14, 2026

An undated image shows Pakistani passport, along with UAE flag in the background. — Shutterstock

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday denied reports claiming that the UAE has temporarily suspended 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas for Pakistanis.

The clarification comes after a screenshot, circulating on social media platforms which stated: "As per the latest information from UAE immigration transit visas (96 Hours and 48 Hours Visa) for Pakistan nationals has been temporarily suspended. Hence, kindly do not apply for this 96 Hours and 48 Hours visa category.”

According to the information available on UAE website, the 96- and 48-hour transit visas are sponsored by the UAE-based airlines — Emirates and Etihad Airways — which must be processed and approved before entering the country.

“If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa."

Last month, Pakistan and the UAE agreed to pursue a formal agreement on 'pre-immigration clearance' for netizens, residing in Pakistan, travelling to the Gulf country.

Under the proposed arrangement, immigration formalities would be completed in Pakistan before departure, allowing passengers to avoid routine immigration processing on arrival in the UAE.

Earlier in April 2025, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi said visa issues had been resolved and Pakistanis could avail a five-year visa.