Discover Free Abu Dhabi Visas for Indians
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a complimentary visa programme for Indian passport holders planning leisure trips to Abu Dhabi. Under this initiative, which runs from August 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, the cost of a 30-day UAE tourist visa—approximately AED285—is covered by the DCT Abu Dhabi for eligible travelers. The programme is capped at a maximum of 20,000 visas during this pilot phase.
- Free 30-day UAE tourist visa worth approximately AED285 for Indian passport holders
- Programme runs from August 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, with a maximum limit of 20,000 visas
- Must book a holiday package through one of 11 participating travel partners
- Requires a minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India
Participating Travel Partners
To qualify, travelers must book a holiday package through one of 11 participating travel partners: Holiday Tribe, Thomas Cook, SOTC, Thrillophilia, Akbar Holidays, Utazzo.com, Kesari Tours, Riya Travels, Royal Tours, Pickyourtrail, MakeMyTrip, and Aaryan Leisure. Key eligibility criteria include a minimum of three consecutive nights stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight booking from India. The offer does not apply to flight-only or hotel-only bookings.
Important Visa Rules
While the visa fee is waived, the programme is not a blanket visa-free entry policy. Applicants must still undergo standard UAE immigration assessments, and approval remains subject to document verification and UAE border control authorities. The travel window concludes on October 31, 2026, and the offer may end earlier if the 20,000-visa quota is exhausted. Travelers are advised to confirm the inclusion of the complimentary visa in their invoice with their travel agent prior to booking and ensure their itineraries meet the specific three-night Abu Dhabi stay requirement. Stay durations in other emirates, such as Dubai, do not count toward the mandatory three-night Abu Dhabi minimum.