Understanding the New Visa Offer
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a pilot programme specifically for Indian tourists. It isn't a visa-free travel policy, but rather an initiative where DCT Abu Dhabi covers the full cost of a UAE entry visa for eligible
travellers. This saves each tourist approximately Dh285. The programme runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is capped at the first 20,000 visas. This means the offer could end before the October deadline if the quota is reached.
Who is Eligible to Claim?
This offer is exclusively for Indian passport holders travelling from India. To qualify for the free visa, you cannot apply independently. Instead, you must book a holiday package that meets several key conditions. The booking must be made through a participating travel partner or an online travel agency. The package must include a return flight departing from India and, crucially, a stay of at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel. Bookings that do not meet this minimum stay requirement will not be eligible for the visa cost coverage.
How to Get Your Free Visa
The process is handled entirely through your travel provider, not by you directly. The first step is to find a participating travel agency or online platform that is part of this initiative. When booking your trip, ensure your itinerary includes a hotel stay in Abu Dhabi for at least three consecutive nights and a return flight to India. Once your qualifying holiday package is booked, you will submit the necessary travel documents to your travel partner. They will then process the visa application on your behalf. The visa fee is either paid directly by DCT Abu Dhabi to their appointed Destination Management Company (DMC) or reimbursed to the travel partner, ensuring the cost does not get passed on to you.
What About Transit Visas?
It's important to distinguish this new tourism offer from standard transit visas. The UAE has long offered transit visas for passengers with long layovers. Typically, a free 48-hour transit visa is available for travellers with a layover of at least eight hours, sponsored by a UAE-based airline like Etihad Airways. There is also a paid 96-hour transit visa option. These transit visas are separate from the new tourism promotion and are designed for short stopovers, not for a planned holiday. Indian passport holders who also hold valid visas or residence permits from countries like the US, UK, or EU may be eligible for a 14-day visa on arrival, which is another separate option.
Making the Most of Your Trip
With the requirement of a three-night stay, this programme encourages visitors to fully experience what Abu Dhabi has to offer beyond its airport. A three-day itinerary allows ample time to explore iconic landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, and the thrilling theme parks on Yas Island. You can also delve into the city's culinary scene, visit the historic Qasr Al Hosn fort, or enjoy the waterfront promenades. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism ties with India, which remains one of the most important international markets for Abu Dhabi.
