ABU DHABI (Kashmir English): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended the issuance of 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas for Pakistani nationals, which affects passengers who use UAE airports as stopover hubs for international travel.
Pakistani travelers will lose their eligibility for short-term transit visas to the UAE because the decision prevents them from entering the country during layovers. Passengers who traveled through Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports used the 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas because they wanted to visit the cities during their extended stopovers.
The short-duration visas provided travelers with a simple way to exit the airport and spend time in hotels, attend meetings, and explore tourist sites before heading to their next flight.
The travel industry states that transit visa categories will experience a suspension of their operations. The authorities have not yet released any information about the suspension’s reasons and the duration of its enforcement period.
The official statement does not provide information about which UAE visa categories Pakistani nationals can access, including visit and employment visa options.
Travel agents have advised passengers to verify visa policies with airlines and consult official UAE immigration channels before booking flights involving stopovers in the Emirates. Airlines that operate between Pakistan and the UAE advise travelers to check the latest entry requirements because this will help them avoid problems.
