The Abu Dhabi Free Visa Initiative
The most prominent recent offer comes from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This is a specific, limited-time programme where the department covers the cost of a UAE entry visa for eligible Indian tourists. The current
pilot programme runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is capped at the first 20,000 visas. This is not a blanket visa-free travel policy for all Indians; it is a tourism promotion linked to specific holiday bookings. To qualify, you must be an Indian passport holder travelling from India and book a package through a participating travel agency. The booking must include a return flight and a minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel. The visa cost, which is around Dh285, is then covered directly by DCT Abu Dhabi, so you don't pay for it.
Free Visas for Children in Summer
Beyond the Abu Dhabi scheme, the UAE has a standing seasonal offer that benefits families. Authorities typically waive tourist visa fees for children under the age of 18 who are travelling with their parents. For 2026, this waiver is being applied for travel between July 15 and September 15. This is a significant cost-saver for families planning a summer holiday anywhere in the UAE, as the visa fee for each child is completely waived during this period. Unlike the Abu Dhabi initiative, this is not tied to a specific emirate or hotel stay duration, but you must be applying for a tourist visa for your child who is accompanying you.
The 'Almost Free' Transit Visa
For travellers with a layover in the UAE, the country offers a highly convenient transit visa. While not always advertised as 'free', there is a complimentary 48-hour transit visa that airlines can arrange for their passengers. This option is perfect for those who want to get a quick glimpse of Dubai or Abu Dhabi during a stopover. The key is that it must be arranged in advance, typically through your airline like Etihad or Emirates. There is also a 96-hour transit visa available for a fee, which allows for a longer, four-day stay. These transit visas are single-entry and non-extendable, designed specifically for short stopovers before your onward journey.
Conditional Visa on Arrival: Not Free but Convenient
Many Indian travellers get confused between free visas and the visa on arrival facility. The latter is not free, but it is extremely convenient. Indian passport holders who have a valid US visa (like a B1/B2), a US Green Card, or a residence visa from the UK or an EU country are eligible for a 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE. This costs a fee, typically around AED 100 or USD 63, and can be extended once for another 14 days for an additional fee. It is crucial to remember that your passport and the qualifying visa must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the UAE. While there's a cost involved, it removes the need to apply for a visa in advance.
Long-Term Option: The 5-Year Tourist Visa
For frequent visitors, the UAE offers a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa. This is not a free visa; it requires an application and proof of sufficient funds. Applicants must show a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 (or its equivalent) over the last six months. Once issued, this visa allows you to enter the UAE multiple times over five years, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. You can stay for a maximum of 180 days in a single calendar year. While there is a significant upfront application process and cost, it offers unmatched flexibility and value for those who travel to the UAE regularly for business or leisure.
