Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Abu Dhabi Offers Free UAE Entry Visas to Indian Travellers
Abu Dhabi is a big city in a country called the United Arab Emirates, also known as the UAE.
Many people from India like to visit Abu Dhabi for holidays.
When people visit another country, they usually need a special paper called a visa, and getting one costs money.
Abu Dhabi's tourism department, called DCT Abu Dhabi, is now paying for the visa so it is free for many Indian visitors.
But there are rules: travellers must book their trip through special travel partners or websites that are part of the programme.
Their booking must include staying at an Abu Dhabi hotel for at least three nights and a return flight ticket back to India.
The free visa offer lasts 92 days, from August 1 to October 31, 2026.
Only up to 20,000 visas will be given during this first trial period.
This saves each traveller about 285 UAE dirhams, roughly 77 US dollars, which families can spend on other fun things during their holiday.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) launched a pilot programme offering free UAE entry visas to eligible Indian passport holders.
The offer runs for 92 days, from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and initially supports up to 20,000 visas.
Eligible bookings must include a minimum three-night stay in an Abu Dhabi hotel, a return flight from India, and be made through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
DCT Abu Dhabi covers visa costs directly through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company or reimburses partners AED 285 (about US$77) per visa issued.
Abdulla Yousuf, DCT Abu Dhabi's Director of International Operations, said India remains one of the emirate's most important international markets.
- Who
- Indian passport holders travelling from India; the programme was launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
- What
- A pilot programme providing free UAE entry visas for eligible holiday bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.
- When
- From August 1 to October 31, 2026 (92 days).
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Why
- To make Abu Dhabi more accessible to Indian travellers, one of the emirate's most important international markets, and to encourage them to stay longer.
- Programme Launched By
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
- Offer
- Free UAE entry visa for eligible Indian passport holders
- Eligibility
- Minimum three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India
- Booking Channels
- Participating travel partners and online travel agencies (OTAs)
- Dates
- August 1 – October 31, 2026 (92 days)
- Visa Cap
- Up to 20,000 visas during the pilot
- Visa Saving
- Approximately AED 285 (about US$77) per traveller; one report also cites a standard 30-day tourist visa at around AED 252 (about Rs 6,500)
- How It Works
- DCT covers visa costs directly via a DCT-appointed DMC, or reimburses AED 285 per visa to partners using their existing DMCs
Sources
Abu Dhabi is offering free UAE visas to Indians: Check eligibility, dates, and rules
Abu Dhabi Launches Free UAE Visa Offer for Indian Tourists
UAE Offers Free 3-Month Entry Visas To Indians: Here’s Who Can Apply
Abu Dhabi offers free UAE entry visa to Indian tourists: Check eligibility and dates
Abu Dhabi offers free UAE visas to eligible Indian tourists booking three-night stays: Report
