Do South African citizens require a visa for a 15-hour layover in Abu Dhabi?

Do South African citizens require a visa for a 15-hour layover in Abu Dhabi? - 7 Elephants Walking Beside Body of Water during Daytime

I am a South African citizen, currently living and working in China.

I booked a ticket today for a short visit to South Africa. Both my layovers for the round trip are in Abu Dhabi.

Departure from China: 3 hour layover in Abu Dhabi. Arrival back in Abu Dhabi: 15 hour layover.

When I checked on Wikipedia this morning it said that I don't require a visa. BUT I would like to confirm that so I have no hassle on my trip.

Please advise.

Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated.



Best Answer

As stated in Timatic, the database used by airport check-in staff:

TWOV (Transit Without Visa): - Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.

So no, you don't need a visa.




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Do I need a transit visa for layover in Abu Dhabi?

A Transit Visa is applicable if you are transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period between eight hours and four calendar days. In addition to the mandatory requirements listed above, you must also submit a birth certificate for your child, in English or Arabic.

Do South Africans need a transit visa for UAE?

Should the traveler transit through Dubai with a short stopover, no visa is required provided that the passenger remains in the transit lounge of the airport. It should be noted that Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders cannot be issued with transit visas upon arrival.

Do I need transit visa for connecting flight in UAE?

Do I need a visa to transit in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? You need a visa to transit in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate in the UAE if: You are not exempt from UAE Tourist Visas or you are not eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival; and. Your onward flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours.

Can I do a layover in Abu Dhabi?

Sleep. Abu Dhabi is often the middle point between two or more long-haul flights, so your time zones might be a bit off. Take advantage of a long layover and catch up on some sleep. There are two hotels located on the airport property, with one in the transit area of Terminal 1, and another just opposite the Airport.



Abu Dhabi 12 hour layover experience




More answers regarding do South African citizens require a visa for a 15-hour layover in Abu Dhabi?

Answer 2

Yes, you are allowed to transit in Abu Dhabi without a visa. You will, however, not be allowed to leave the international area of the airport.

This answer is valid assuming that your flights were all booked on the same ticket, and not as a part of separate itineraries.

Further, on your return leg back to China, your layover is long enough for you to qualify for food vouchers, or even hotel bookings, depending on your airline. You may also be able to get a transit visa processed by your airline so that you can leave the airport to explore the city. More information on this here.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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