Why does anyone need VISA to stay in transit? It's already on his passport when he got flight tickets. All he need is new boarding pass wherever is transit. Weren't people saying nice thing about Etihad? Yes they won't provide FREE hotel, they do provide airport hotel in their channel. Let him stay outside hotel, and see what happens to him. People sleep on lobby all time, that would be the safest way for him to travel. Trust me, those Etihad transit people harass people with smile. I wouldn't be surprised if they treat people like cattle. It's just Etihad.

I don't know and aware of transit Visa. I only know that I would need it if I stay for short visit in the transit country during layover. May be Etihad changed the rule now. Or may be you are just shooting stars with your overly imaginative and curious thought?
Who would ask for Transit visa when destination is US and layover is less than 24 hours and passengers ain't even traveling outside the airport for short stay requiring them to have transit visa?
Bro, get this one thing straight up, Etihad sucks. Listen to what your Uncle has to say once he arrives to you.
And, if you still don't understand what am yapping about, you can consider me 'I am jhyap'. That the best favor you can do to yourself.

I think you are pretty much confused.

Of course, he needs a transit visa if he's staying outside the airport. He needs to talk to an immigration officer of the airlines for the transit visa.

It's even more weird when you said they can't provide transit hotel. They always do recommend transit hotel if you wish to stay. Bhaatmaara, sittai ma FREE hotel khojyo hola, kaha bata pauthyo. ani yaha online ma aayera, khubai uncle ko piyaro bhatij bhai topalchas.

If you are in your right mind, you wouldn't be asking vague questions online. You would be calling Etihad. Phone garda, etihad haruley maaar bhakurey jasto cha phone ma yo paaji lai yesko ko kura nabujhera, online ma aayera ganthan garcha. tait