Free Abu Dhabi Visa for Indian Tourists: What to Know Before Booking

A holiday package pricing scheme joining Abu Dhabi and India has been introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) which could make a trip to Abu Dhabi less expensive for India for a limited time.

Eligible Indian travelers who participate in the pilot programme will enjoy the following benefits: scopeIn the proposed UAE entry visa fee for travellers from India is approximately AED 285 or around ₹6,600.

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Who Can Benefit From the Abu Dhabi Free Visa Programme?

The programme is active for travellers to India with their Indian passports only during the period August 01 – October 31, 2026.

Additionally, the programme is based on the first 20,000 visas granted. This can lead to an earlier end to this offer if the quota is full before 31st of October.

Travelers will also be asked about their travel back to India and should be staying for a minimum of 3 consecutive nights in a hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Free Visa Is Linked to Qualifying Travel Packages

The visa waiver is not available to travelers to claim on the government’s portal. Rather it goes through tourism partners, tour operators and online travel agencies.

To qualify for the visa benefit the customer needs to make a qualifying holiday booking. If the package is a match for the requirements of the programme, DCT Abu Dhabi absorbs or reimburses the relevant government visa fee.

What Travelers Still Need to Pay?

While the standard AED 285 entry visa fee is waived by the Government, the programme is not totally free.

Flights, hotel rooms, travel insurance and so on continue to be the duty of the travellers for their holiday. Each participating partner may impose extra costs for administration or handling – refer to them before booking.

Documents and Booking Conditions

Travelers should verify with their agency or OTA that they are an approved agency or OTA and will explicitly offer the free-visa benefit prior to booking. Payment should be made with written confirmation.

Applicants are required to bring a clear copy of their Indian Passport with at least 6 months validity, a few recent Passport-size photos as required in the UAE along with confirmed return flight details.

Book Early and Avoid Paying the Quota

The programme has a limited number of approved visas (20 000) and therefore is subject to usage first come first served. Abu Dhabi holiday packages must, therefore, be verified for eligibility and should also be booked in good time. The Round 3 offers run until 31 October 2026 or until the visa supply limit is reached.

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