News
Travel
Abu Dhabi offers complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian tourists. Who are eligible?

NITN | @notintownlive | 11 Aug 2026, 07:16 am

Abu Dhabi offers complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian passport holders. Photo: Unsplash

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced complimentary UAE entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders between August 1 and October 31, 2026, media reports said.

The initiative is aimed at Indian tourists booking an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners and online travel agencies.

Under the programme, eligible bookings must include a minimum three-night stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel along with a return flight from India.

The pilot programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas, according to Gulf News.

DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings, potentially reducing the overall cost of travelling to the emirate.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News: "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."

Yousuf added: "We look forward to welcoming more visitors as they spend longer exploring Abu Dhabi's culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions."

Who can get a free UAE visa?

The complimentary visa offer is available to Indian passport holders departing from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.

A minimum three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
A return flight from India.
The holiday must be booked through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.

The offer is valid during the pilot period from August 1 to October 31, 2026, subject to the programme's eligibility requirements and available visa quota.

IndiGo expands Udaipur conn ...

IndiGo will introduce daily non-stop flights to Udaipur from Noida International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, starting October 25 and November 15, 2026 respectively.

Etihad Airways, Ibom Air ag ...

Etihad Airways and Nigerian carrier Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement that will allow passengers travelling with Etihad to connect beyond Lagos and Accra to five cities in Nigeria on a single ticket.

Air India adds a festive fl ...

Tata Group-owned Air India on Monday announced that guests flying during Navratri will be served specially curated festive meals onboard its flights and at its lounges in Delhi and Mumbai.