How to Get a Transit Visa When Flying Through Middle Eastern Countries (GN Holidays Guide 2025)
Owing to the logistical limitations, in case of flight between Sri Lanka and Europe, the UK or America it is very likely that you will have a stopping point in one of the Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, UAE, Oman, or Saudi Arabia. You may require a transit visa, depending on your schedule and the time you are going to spend on the air. When is it necessary? And what are your applications? At GN Holidays we help Sri Lankan travelers with each step of the process, be it a transit that takes several hours or going to see the city in your stop over. This is exactly how you can get a 2025 transit visa.
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What Is a Transit Visa?
Transit visa is used to visit another country on your way to the other. Airport transfers in some countries always need a visa whereas in others it is visa-free. The main aspects which define whether you require a transit visa or not are:
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Your stopover (typically 8 hours or plus)
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You have intentions to leave the airport
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The transit policies in the airport
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Your country of origin and where you were going
Do Sri Lankan Passport Holders Always Need a Transit Visa?
Not always. That depends on your country, and, whether you stay in the international transit zone of the airport. The following are some breakdowns of major hubs in Middle East
United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Do you need a transit visa?
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No, for layovers under 8 hours (in-airport).
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Yes, if over 8 hours or if you want to leave the airport.
Visa type
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48-hour and 96-hour Transit Visa, (sponsored by airline or agency)
How to apply
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Via Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or your travel agent (GN Holidays can process this)
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Must apply at least 72 hours before travel
Documents required
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Passport (valid 6 months)
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Confirmed onward ticket
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Passport photo
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Visa application form
Qatar (Hamad International Airport, Doha)
Transit visa rules
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No visa required if you stay in the airport for less than 24 hours.
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Free Transit Visa (up to 96 hours) available for longer stays or if you want to explore Doha.
How to apply:
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Online via Qatar Airways or through GN Holidays
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Must book flights on Qatar Airways to be eligible
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Apply at least 7 days before departure
Pro Tip : Must book flights on Qatar Airways to be eligible
Oman (Muscat International Airport)
Transit policy
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No visa needed if connecting within 6 hours and not leaving the airport.
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Visa required if exiting or layover exceeds 6 hours (and you're not connecting to GCC countries).
Transit visa type
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72-hour visa available
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Can be arranged by airline or GN Holidays
Important : Oman eVisa can be applied online if needed for longer stays.
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam)
Transit visa rules (2025):
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Mandatory transit visa for layovers over 12 hours or if exiting the airport.
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Visa waived for airside stays under 12 hours in most cases.
New Update : Saudi Arabia now offers a Stopover Visa for up to 96 hours, allowing you to explore cities like Riyadh or Mecca (Umrah is permitted with this visa)
How to Apply :
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Apply via Saudia Airlines or Flynas, or through GN Holidays
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Valid for single-entry stays during your onward travel
Important : Oman eVisa can be applied online if needed for longer stays.
How to Apply for a Transit Visa: Step-by-Step
Confirm your stop over and your layover time and airport.
Find out whether you require one or not depending on which airline you travel with, your nationality as well as the duration of stopovers you have on an air trip.
Collect required document
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Passport (6-month validity)
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Confirmed onward ticket
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Hotel booking (if applicable)
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Visa photo
Submit application via airline or GN Holidays at least 3–7 days in advance.
Receive visa (usually emailed) and print a copy for immigration.
Tips for Smooth Transit
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Use the same airline when booking the tickets to escape visa problem.
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In longer layovers, you can avail the GN Holidays stopover packages to plan a short tour of the city.
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Terminal airport transfer rules should always be checked twice, as some of them might imply that you have to get out and recheck-in.
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Be at the airport on time, and carry a spare copy of a visa with you
Final Thoughts
Transit visas appear complicated, yet it is not necessarily so. If you are transiting under Doha, Dubai, Muscat, or Riyadh, GN Holidays enables you to obtain the appropriate transit visa easily, and even get a small city tour on lay-over.
Running short of time organizing your transit visa? Contact us now or log on to
www.gnholidays.lk to find out more on our expertise and hassle free visa facilitation.
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Use the same airline when booking the tickets to escape visa problem.
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In longer layovers, you can avail the GN Holidays stopover packages to plan a short tour of the city.
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Terminal airport transfer rules should always be checked twice, as some of them might imply that you have to get out and recheck-in.
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Be at the airport on time, and carry a spare copy of a visa with you
