Abu Dhabi offers free UAE visas to Indian tourists booking three-night holidays
Programme covers up to 20,000 visas during its three-month pilot
ABU DHABI – Indian tourists planning a trip to Abu Dhabi can now have their UAE entry visa covered under a new tourism initiative.
The programme, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), applies to eligible Indian passport holders travelling from India. It offers the visa at no additional cost when travellers book qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday packages through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
The initiative runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, as a three-month pilot programme. DCT Abu Dhabi said it will initially cover the cost of up to 20,000 UAE visas under the scheme.
Who qualifies
The offer is specifically available to Indian passport holders departing from India. Travellers must book their Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency to qualify.
The booking must include a stay of 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 arrangements.
The visa offer is not available for travellers applying independently. Instead, the programme has been designed to operate through participating travel companies and online travel agencies handling eligible holiday bookings.
Visa process
Participating travel partners have two options for processing visas under the initiative.
They can work with a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the tourism department covering the visa cost directly.
Alternatively, travel partners can continue working with their existing destination management companies. Under this arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each visa issued under the programme.
For eligible travellers, this means there is no separate visa payment when the holiday booking meets the programme's requirements and is processed through an approved partner.
UAE-India travel
DCT Abu Dhabi said the initiative reflects its continued focus on the Indian travel market and follows efforts to strengthen air connectivity, expand travel trade partnerships and create more opportunities for Indian visitors to experience the emirate.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said India remains one of Abu Dhabi's most important international markets. He added that covering UAE entry visa costs would make the destination more accessible while giving travel partners an additional incentive to recommend Abu Dhabi.
The initiative also aims to encourage visitors to spend longer in the emirate, with DCT Abu Dhabi highlighting its cultural attractions, entertainment, hospitality and natural experiences.
With the pilot running through October 31, participating travel companies and online travel agencies will handle qualifying bookings and visa arrangements for eligible Indian travellers.