Indian passport holders cannot enter the UAE visa-free. Those with qualifying documents, such as a US visit visa or Green Card, or a residence permit from the EU, can get a UAE visa on arrival, a 14-day visa listed at AED 100. Everyone else needs a tourist visa arranged in advance through a UAE airline, hotel or licensed agent. Passports should have six months’ validity.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Abu Dhabi is an easy flight from India, but the visa rules have changed more than once in recent years. This guide sets out what the UAE government has said and where you should confirm the latest rules before you fly. HappyFares sells flights only and does not process visas.
Do Indians need a visa for Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Indian citizens need a visa to enter the UAE, and Abu Dhabi is no exception. There are two main routes: a visa on arrival for those who qualify, and a tourist visa arranged before you travel. The UAE’s official portal also notes that eligibility lists can change, and advises travellers to confirm with the UAE embassy before flying.
Who can get a UAE visa on arrival?
UAE government sources say that Indian citizens with a normal passport who hold a US visit visa, a US Green Card, a UK residence visa or an EU residence visa can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days. The document must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.
In June 2026 the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced an expansion of this scheme. According to the ICP release dated 25 June 2026:
- India remains an eligible nationality, alongside newly added Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
- Qualifying countries of residence include the United States, EU member states and the United Kingdom, plus Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
- The 14-day visa carries a fee of AED 100 and can be extended once during the holder’s stay.
- A 60-day category has a fee of AED 250 and is issued as a single-entry, non-extendable visa.
- Holders who overstay face a fine of AED 50 per day.
Some news and travel-agency reports from July 2026 say travellers who hold only a UK visa or UK residence permit will no longer qualify. We did not find that stated in the ICP release we read, so treat it as unconfirmed and check with the ICP or your airline before you rely on a UK document alone. If you hold a UK document and a US or EU document, carry both.
How do you get a tourist visa if you do not qualify?
UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. According to the UAE government portal, the usual routes are:
- A UAE airline: Etihad Airways, Emirates and flydubai can sponsor visas, each under its own conditions, one of which is flying with them.
- A hotel or licensed travel agent in the UAE: they can arrange the visa if you buy your ticket through them and keep a reservation with that hotel.
- Online: the UAE government lists applications through the ICP or GDRFA Dubai for some visa types.
The portal also lists a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa on self-sponsorship, with up to 90 days per visit. Its listed requirements include a bank balance of USD 4,000 or equivalent over the last six months, valid UAE health insurance and a ticket showing onward or return travel. Etihad also offers transit visas for short stopovers, so check its visa page if you are connecting through Abu Dhabi. Fees and processing times vary by visa type and provider, so confirm them at the time you apply.
What documents should you carry?
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Your qualifying US, UK or EU document if you are using visa on arrival, valid for at least six months from arrival.
- A confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Proof of your accommodation for the trip.
- Your approved visa, if you applied in advance.
Airlines usually check documents before they issue a boarding pass, so being turned away at the departure airport is a real risk if your paperwork does not match. A small aviation fact: Abu Dhabi’s airport code is AUH, which you will see on your ticket and boarding pass.
Where to apply and who to trust
Apply only through official channels: the ICP and GDRFA online services, the airline you fly with, or a licensed hotel or agent in the UAE. The ICP warns on its website that scammers impersonate the authority, so avoid unofficial links and anyone who asks for payment through informal channels. For a comparison of the two big emirates, see our guide to Dubai vs Abu Dhabi for Indians.
Common Questions
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi?
Only if they hold a qualifying document, for example a US visit visa or Green Card, or an EU residence visa. The standard stay is 14 days. Others need a visa before they fly.
How long is the UAE visa on arrival for Indians?
The ICP lists a 14-day category at AED 100, extendable once, and a 60-day category at AED 250 that is single-entry and non-extendable.
How long must my passport be valid?
The UAE government says a passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and the qualifying document should also be valid for at least six months.
Who applies for a tourist visa?
A UAE airline, a hotel or licensed travel agent, or you through the ICP or GDRFA online. UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas.
Does HappyFares arrange visas?
No. HappyFares sells flights only and does not process visas. Apply through the official channels described above.
Is a UK visa still enough for visa on arrival?
The ICP release of 25 June 2026 still lists the UK as a qualifying country of residence. Later reports suggest UK-only holders may no longer qualify, so confirm with the ICP or your airline.
Sorted your documents? Search and compare flights to Abu Dhabi on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, and ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help find a good time to fly. Domestic bookings carry zero convenience fee.
Visa rules, fees and airline policies change. Verify current specifics with the ICP, the UAE government portal and your airline before you travel.
