UAE Free 30-Day Visa For Indians: Who Can Apply, Eligibility And Key Rules

UAE Free Visa For Indians: Indian tourists planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi can get their 30-day UAE tourist visa without paying the visa fee under a limited-period tourism initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

However, the offer is not a blanket visa-free entry facility for all Indian passport holders. Travellers must meet specific conditions and book their Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.

Who Is Eligible For The Free UAE Visa?

The programme is available to Indian passport holders travelling from India who book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners.

To qualify, the booking must include:

• A minimum three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel
• A return flight from India
• Booking through a participating travel agency, tour operator or online travel platform

Travellers cannot independently apply for the free-visa benefit. The offer is linked to eligible holiday bookings made through participating partners.

How Much Can Indian Travellers Save?

The programme covers the cost of a 30-day UAE tourist visa, which is approximately AED 285 (around ₹7,400) per traveller, according to reports.

The pilot initiative is expected to cover up to 20,000 visas during its initial period.

When Is The Offer Available?

The programme covers eligible travel between August 1 and October 31, 2026.

Travellers should note that simply booking a package before the deadline does not necessarily qualify a trip scheduled after October 31. The applicable travel period is part of the programme conditions.

Which Travel Partners Are Participating?

Participating travel partners reported for the programme include MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook & SOTC, Thrillophilia, Akbar Holidays, Utazzo.com, Kesari Tours, Riya Travels, Royal Tours, PickYourTrail and Aaryan Leisure, among others. Travellers should confirm the current eligibility and offer terms with the partner before making a booking.

Is The UAE Now Visa-Free For Indians?

No. The initiative covers the visa fee for eligible travellers; it does not eliminate the UAE’s visa requirement for Indian tourists.

The UAE entry visa still has to be processed and approved under applicable immigration rules. An eligible holiday booking therefore does not automatically guarantee visa issuance.

Why Has Abu Dhabi Introduced The Offer?

India is an important international tourism market for Abu Dhabi, and the initiative is designed to make travel to the emirate more accessible while encouraging Indian visitors to book longer stays.

DCT Abu Dhabi said the programme is being operated through travel partners and online travel agencies, with the tourism authority covering or reimbursing the applicable visa cost.

Bottom Line

Indian travellers planning an Abu Dhabi trip before October 31, 2026 can potentially save the cost of a 30-day UAE tourist visa. But the benefit comes with conditions: three-night minimum hotel stay, return flight from India and booking through a participating travel partner.

It is therefore important to check the package’s eligibility and visa terms before paying for the booking.