Up to 20,000 Indian Travellers Can Get Visa Costs Covered
Abu Dhabi has launched a new tourism initiative offering complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian travellers booking holidays in the emirate.
The programme has been introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026.
During the initial three-month pilot phase, the programme will cover visa costs for up to 20,000 travellers.
The offer is specifically aimed at Indian passport holders travelling from India.
DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings, reducing the upfront expense for visitors planning a holiday in the emirate.
However, the programme does not mean that every Indian passport holder can independently apply for a free UAE visa.
Travellers must book their holiday through participating travel companies or approved online travel agencies to receive the benefit.
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to attract more visitors from India, which remains one of the emirate’s most important international tourism markets.
Who Qualifies for Abu Dhabi’s Free UAE Visa?
Indian travellers must meet several conditions to qualify for the offer.
The applicant must hold an Indian passport and depart from India.
The holiday package must include at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Travellers must also have a return flight from India as part of the qualifying booking.
Most importantly, the holiday must be purchased through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
Travellers cannot directly approach DCT Abu Dhabi and independently request the free visa under this programme.
This means tourists planning a trip should confirm with their travel agency whether it is participating in the scheme before making a booking.
Eligible customers will receive their UAE entry visa without paying an additional visa fee, provided their package meets all programme requirements.
The initiative could make Abu Dhabi more attractive to Indian families, couples and leisure travellers by removing one of the additional expenses associated with an international holiday.
The offer also comes as competition among Gulf destinations for Indian tourists continues to increase.
How Will the Free Visa Programme Work?
DCT Abu Dhabi has created two options for participating travel companies to process qualifying visas.
Under the first arrangement, travel partners can work with a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi.
In this case, the tourism department will directly cover the visa cost.
Travel companies can also continue using their existing destination management partners.
Under that arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse the travel company Dh285 for every qualifying visa issued.
The scheme is therefore designed primarily as a travel-industry programme, with the benefit ultimately passed on to tourists through their holiday packages.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international markets.
He said covering entry visa costs would make it easier for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi while giving travel companies another incentive to promote the destination.
Abu Dhabi has been working to increase air connectivity with India while strengthening partnerships with travel agencies and tourism companies.
Officials hope visitors will stay longer and explore the emirate’s cultural attractions, entertainment destinations, hotels and natural landscapes.
The current free-visa initiative is limited to 20,000 visas during its pilot stage and is scheduled to end on October 31.
Travellers considering the offer should therefore confirm eligibility, hotel requirements and participation with their travel provider before finalising their holiday.
