Abu Dhabi Offers Free UAE Entry Visas to Indian Tourists Booking Three-Night Holidays

Indian passport holders planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi can now receive a UAE entry visa at no additional cost under a new tourism initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The programme runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is available for eligible Abu Dhabi holiday bookings made through participating travel partners and online travel agencies.

To qualify, travellers must hold an Indian passport, depart from India and book a holiday package that includes a return flight from India and a minimum stay of three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The initiative is being offered through participating travel trade partners rather than as a general visa-fee waiver for every Indian visitor. Travellers should therefore confirm that their booking agent or online travel agency is participating in the programme before purchasing a package.

Under the scheme, DCT Abu Dhabi covers the cost of the UAE entry visa. Participating partners can either work through a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the department covering the visa cost directly, or continue using their existing destination management company and receive reimbursement of AED 285 for each eligible visa issued.

The pilot programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas, providing a significant incentive for Indian travellers considering an Abu Dhabi holiday during the three-month campaign.

India remains one of Abu Dhabi's most important international visitor markets. The initiative is designed to make travel to the emirate more accessible while encouraging visitors to stay longer and experience its cultural attractions, entertainment, hospitality and natural destinations.

The offer does not mean that all Indian passport holders can simply arrive in the UAE without completing entry formalities. Eligibility is linked to qualifying holiday bookings made through participating partners, and normal documentation and approval requirements continue to apply.

Travellers considering the offer should check the exact package conditions, hotel requirements, visa documentation, travel dates and participating partner status before making payment.

Who is eligible?

•    Indian passport holders travelling from India.
•    A qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday booked through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
•    A minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel.
•    A return flight from India.
•    Travel/bookings falling within the programme period and other applicable partner conditions.

Programme at a glance

•    Campaign period: August 1 to October 31, 2026
•    Visa cost to eligible traveller: No additional charge under the programme
•    Pilot capacity: Up to 20,000 visas
•    DCT reimbursement option: AED 285 per eligible visa when participating partners use their existing DMC
•    Minimum Abu Dhabi hotel stay: Three consecutive nights

Source: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi initiative, as reported by NDTV and UAE media on August 10, 2026.