Abu Dhabi waives UAE visa costs for eligible Indian travelers.
Indian travelers considering a trip to Abu Dhabi now have a new opportunity to save money on their UAE entry visa. Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism has launched a limited-time program that waives the UAE visa charge for qualified Indian passport holders.
Who is eligible for the Visa fee waiver?
The offer is valid for eligible Indian passport holders traveling from India who book a qualified Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or approved online travel agents.
To qualify, travelers often need to:
Hold an Indian passport.
Travel from India.
Book with a participating partner.
Stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel for at least three consecutive nights.
Take a return flight from India.
Meet the UAE entry and visa requirements.
For qualified bookings, the program will cover the necessary UAE entry visa price. A recent Abu Dhabi-MakeMyTrip agreement, for example, covers an AED 285 entry visa charge for eligible travelers.
However, this does not imply that the entire Abu Dhabi holiday is free. Travelers must still pay for airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, attractions, and other fees.
How long is the offer valid?
The current program is set to run from August 1 to October 31, 2026, with an initial rollout of up to 20,000 visas.
Before making a reservation, travelers should check with their booking partner to confirm the most recent terms.
Important: This is Not a General Visa-Free Rule.
Indian tourists should not think that all UAE tourist visas are now free.
The offer applies to qualifying Abu Dhabi vacation bookings and associated partners. Abu Dhabi's official tourism website currently includes selected partners who provide complimentary visas to Indian passport holders who plan a minimum three-night stay.
Why is this good news for Indian travelers?
The idea could make Abu Dhabi more affordable for Indian travelers, particularly families and those planning extended weekend or short vacations.
Abu Dhabi has many attractions for visitors to enjoy, including Yas Island, the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, beaches, and cultural events.
TravUnited Take
The Abu Dhabi visa-fee waiver is a great perk for qualified Indian travelers, but make sure to read the terms and restrictions before paying. Check that your hotel stay, return flight, and travel partner satisfy the programme's requirements.
