What is the Free Visa Offer?
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a pilot program specifically for the Indian market. From August 1 to October 31, 2026, the department will cover the full cost of a UAE entry visa for Indian tourists who book
a qualifying holiday package. This is not a visa-waiver scheme; you will still be issued a formal visa. The key difference is that DCT Abu Dhabi pays the fee on your behalf as part of a tourism promotion. The program aims to make the emirate more appealing by reducing the upfront costs of travel. The initiative will initially support up to 20,000 visas, so it is subject to availability.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this free visa, Indian travellers must meet a specific set of conditions. The offer is not available for independent visa applications and is tied directly to a holiday package. The core requirements are: you must hold a valid Indian passport and be travelling from India. Your booking must be made through a participating online travel agency or tour operator. The package must include a stay of at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and include a return flight from India. Because the program has a limited capacity of 20,000 visas, it's crucial to confirm with your travel agent that your booking qualifies for the free visa offer before you finalize payment.
How to Get Your Complimentary Visa
The process is designed to be seamless and is handled entirely by your travel provider. You do not apply for the visa yourself through government channels. Instead, once you book a qualifying package, your travel partner will process the visa application through a destination management company (DMC) appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi. The tourism department then covers the cost directly with the DMC. Your responsibility is simply to provide the necessary documents—such as your passport copy and photograph—to your travel agent, who will manage the rest of the process for you.
What About Visa on Arrival?
It is important not to confuse this limited-time free visa program with the separate, long-standing visa-on-arrival facility. The UAE offers a 14-day visa on arrival to Indian passport holders who have a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, European Union, or other specified countries. This option remains available but is not free; it involves a fee of around AED 100. This facility is ideal for travellers who meet the criteria and prefer flexibility over a pre-booked package. The new promotional offer, by contrast, is for those planning a dedicated holiday in Abu Dhabi and booking a complete package.
Understanding Transit Visas
Another option for Indian travellers is the transit visa, which is useful for those with a long layover in Abu Dhabi. Airlines like Etihad facilitate applications for 48-hour or 96-hour transit visas, allowing you to leave the airport and explore the city. While there have been promotions for free 48-hour transit visas in the past, standard fees typically apply. For example, a 48-hour transit visa via Etihad costs around AED 55, while a 96-hour one is approximately AED 216. This is entirely separate from both the visa-on-arrival facility and the new free visa promotion for holiday packages.
