The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly suspended the issuance of 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas for Pakistani nationals, preventing travelers from obtaining short-term permits to leave the airport during stopovers in the country, according to MinuteMirror.
It is worth mentioning that transit visas are widely used by passengers with layovers in the UAE who wish to briefly explore cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi before continuing their onward journey.
While the UAE government has not issued a formal long-term policy statement regarding the suspension, the report suggests the decision follows concerns about repeated misuse of transit visas.
The suspension means Pakistani nationals transiting through the UAE must now remain within airport transit areas unless they hold another valid visa category. Travelers planning stopovers to explore the country during layovers will need to reconsider their arrangements.
Travel experts recommend that Pakistani nationals consult official UAE immigration channels or authorized travel agents for the most up-to-date guidance before making travel plans.
