Can you leave the airport?
US passport holders can generally get a free visa on arrival in the UAE for short stays.
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for the United Arab Emirates.
Tips before you book
- Keep your onward boarding pass or e-ticket ready for the transfer desk.
- Avoid separate tickets with checked bags, which force you to enter the country to re-check them.
Layover guides for the United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates?
Usually no, if you stay airside. American citizens don't need a visa to connect through UAE airports, whether they stay airside or leave for a short visit.
Can American citizens leave the airport during a layover in the United Arab Emirates?
US passport holders can generally get a free visa on arrival in the UAE for short stays.
Other transit rules for American passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.