Free UAE Entry Visas for Indian Tourists in Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched an initiative offering free UAE entry visas to Indian tourists booking at least three consecutive hotel nights in Abu Dhabi. This promotion, which runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, covers up to 20,000 visas. To qualify, travellers must book through a participating travel partner or online travel agency, stay for at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, and have a return flight from India.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Eligibility | Indian passport holders departing from India |
| Qualification Requirements | Book through a participating travel partner, stay for at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, and have a return flight from India |
| Promotion Period | August 1 to October 31, 2026 |
| Number of Visas Covered | Up to 20,000 visas |
This initiative aims to boost tourism and make Abu Dhabi more accessible for Indian travellers. According to Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, “India continues to be one of our most important international markets, and we remain committed to working closely with our travel partners to make Abu Dhabi even more accessible for Indian travellers.” By covering the cost of UAE entry visas, DCT Abu Dhabi is making it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi while giving travel partners another compelling reason to recommend the destination.
The UAE has also expanded its visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals to include those with valid residence permits from six additional countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. This expansion, which started on February 13, 2025, allows Indian nationals holding ordinary passports with valid residence permits from these countries to obtain a visa on arrival at any UAE entry point.
