Indian travellers planning a holiday to Abu Dhabi can now receive a UAE entry visa at no additional cost when they book an eligible stay of at least three consecutive nights.
The new tourism initiative, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is aimed at attracting more visitors from India, one of the emirate’s key international tourism markets.
The programme runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and will initially support up to 20,000 visas.
Who can get the free UAE visa?
The offer is available to Indian passport holders travelling from India. However, travellers must meet specific conditions to qualify for the visa fee waiver.
Eligible visitors must:
- Book their holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
- Stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel for at least three consecutive nights.
- Hold a return flight from India.
Travellers who meet the requirements will not have to pay an additional UAE entry visa fee under the programme.
How the Abu Dhabi free visa scheme works
Participating travel companies can process eligible visa applications through arrangements approved by DCT Abu Dhabi.
Travel partners working with a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi can have the visa costs covered directly by the tourism department.
Alternatively, agencies can continue using their existing destination management companies. In that case, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each eligible visa issued.
The initiative is limited to the programme’s available allocation, with 20,000 visas planned during the initial three-month pilot period.
India remains a major tourism market for Abu Dhabi
DCT Abu Dhabi said the initiative is part of its broader strategy to strengthen ties with the Indian travel market.
The emirate has been working to improve air connectivity, expand partnerships with travel companies and encourage Indian visitors to spend more time exploring Abu Dhabi.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said India remains one of the destination’s most important international markets.
By removing the visa cost for eligible holiday bookings, the initiative is designed to make Abu Dhabi more accessible while giving travel partners an additional incentive to promote the emirate.
Visitors can use their stay to explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions, entertainment venues, hotels and natural landscapes.
What Indian tourists should know
The free visa is not a general UAE visa waiver for all Indian passport holders. It applies specifically to qualifying holiday bookings made through participating travel partners or online travel agencies during the programme period.
Travellers should therefore confirm that their booking and travel arrangements meet all programme conditions before making their plans.
Dubai Herald will continue to track major UAE visa and travel updates affecting Indian visitors.
