UAE Visa-Free Entry: Planning a trip abroad? The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has good news for Indian travelers. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has introduced a visa scheme allowing Indian tourists to obtain a free 30-day UAE tourist visa from August 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, a visa that typically costs around Rs 6500.
To take advantage of this offer, Indian passport holders must meet specific conditions: – Book the trip through approved online travel agencies (OTAs) by the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism. – Stay in an Abu Dhabi hotel for at least three consecutive nights. – Have a return ticket booked to India. If these criteria are met, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Department will cover the entire cost of the UAE entry visa.
If you lack a passport, you can apply online through the Passport Seva Portal:
Step 1: Register on the portal by visiting https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp, selecting the nearest Passport Office, providing basic details, and activating the account.
Step 2: Complete the form to receive an Application Reference Number (ARN).
Step 3: Pay the fee and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. Essential documents for passport application include identity proof (such as Aadhar Card or PAN Card), address proof (like an electricity bill), and proof of date of birth (like a Birth Certificate). This offer is ideal for budget-conscious travelers heading to Dubai or Abu Dhabi until October 31, 2026. By making hotel and flight reservations through approved channels, you can save up to Rs 6,500 on visa fees.
Who Qualifies for the Complimentary Entry Visa to the UAE?
This opportunity is exclusively open to individuals holding Indian passports who are departing from India.
To be eligible, travelers need to fulfill three main conditions:
1. Make a reservation for an Abu Dhabi vacation through a designated travel partner or an online travel agency.
2. Stay at a hotel in Abu Dhabi for a minimum of three consecutive nights.
3. Have a return flight originating from India.
If the vacation package fulfills these criteria, the entry visa for the UAE will be included at no extra charge.
Is It Possible to Obtain the Free Visa by Booking Your Trip Independently?
This is not an option under this specific program. The scheme has been designed exclusively for participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Therefore, travelers should verify whether their chosen travel agency is part of the DCT Abu Dhabi initiative before finalizing the booking. Making separate reservations for a hotel and flight might not qualify you for this promotion.