ABU DHABI, UAE — Indian passport holders travelling from India can have the cost of their UAE entry visa covered when they book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday under a new tourism initiative running through Oct. 31.
The programme, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is designed to make travel to the emirate more accessible while encouraging Indian visitors to stay longer.
The pilot programme runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026, and will support visa costs for up to 20,000 eligible travellers.
Who qualifies for the free UAE visa?
The offer is available to Indian passport holders departing from India who book their Abu Dhabi trip through participating travel agencies or online travel agencies.
To qualify, the holiday booking must include:
- At least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel
- A return flight from India
- Booking through a participating travel partner or online travel agency
The offer is not available to travellers applying independently. The qualifying holiday must be booked through one of the participating partners.
How the visa offer works
DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings under the programme.
Participating travel companies can process the visa through a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the tourism authority covering the associated cost.
Travel partners can also continue using their existing destination management companies. Under that arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each eligible visa issued.
Travellers should therefore check with their booking provider before making a reservation to confirm that the package and visa arrangements qualify under the programme.
Why Indian travellers are a key market
India is one of Abu Dhabi’s major international tourism markets, and the emirate has been working to strengthen connections with Indian travellers through expanded air links and closer cooperation with the travel trade.
The latest visa initiative is aimed at reducing one of the upfront costs associated with an international holiday while encouraging visitors to spend more time in Abu Dhabi.
For visitors, a three-night stay can provide time to combine the emirate’s major attractions with its cultural sites, beaches, entertainment venues and dining options.
Travellers can explore official destination information through Visit Abu Dhabi before planning their trip.
Offer available until Oct. 31
The complimentary visa programme applies to qualifying bookings made during the Aug. 1-Oct. 31 pilot period, subject to the programme’s allocation of up to 20,000 visas.
Indian travellers considering an Abu Dhabi trip should confirm eligibility with a participating travel partner before booking, particularly the minimum hotel stay and return-flight requirements.
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to grow international tourism and strengthen its position as a destination for visitors from India.
