Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Abu Dhabi Pilot Waives UAE Visa Fees for Indian Tourists
Abu Dhabi has started a special pilot offer for some Indian travelers.
Eligible travelers can get their UAE entry visa without paying the visa fee.
They must be Indian passport holders traveling from India.
They also need to buy a holiday package with at least three hotel nights and a return flight.
The package must be booked through an approved travel company, such as Akbar Travels.
The trip must happen between August 1 and October 31, 2026.
The visa is free, but the flight, hotel, and other holiday costs are not.
The number of available visas is limited, so travelers are advised to book early.
Indian passport holders traveling from India may receive a complimentary UAE entry visa through qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday packages.
Eligibility requires at least three consecutive hotel nights, a return flight from India, and booking through an approved partner such as Akbar Travels.
The pilot applies to trips taken between August 1 and October 31, 2026, not merely bookings made during that period.
The offer covers only the entry visa; travelers must still pay for flights, accommodation, and other holiday expenses.
Availability is limited, with the article citing a 20,000-visa cap, and independent tourist-visa applications do not qualify.
- Who
- Indian passport holders traveling from India, with participating travel partners including Akbar Travels.
- What
- A pilot programme waiving the UAE entry-visa cost for qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday packages.
- When
- For travel from August 1 through October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for travelers departing from India.
- Why
- DCT Abu Dhabi aims to make holidays more affordable, encourage longer stays, and strengthen tourism ties with Indian travelers.
- Programme sponsor
- DCT Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi’s tourism authority.
- Participating partner
- Akbar Travels is identified as an approved travel partner.
- Minimum stay
- Three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
- Flight requirement
- A return flight from India must be included in the package.
- Travel window
- August 1 to October 31, 2026.
- Visa coverage
- The UAE entry-visa cost is covered for eligible bookings.
- Availability
- The article cites a 20,000-visa cap and advises early booking.