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Indian travellers planning an international holiday have a new reason to consider Abu Dhabi. A three-month scheme has been launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), allowing eligible Indian passport holders to obtain a UAE entry visa free of charge whenever they book a qualifying holiday in Abu Dhabi. The programme will take place from 1 August to 31 October 2026.
Who Can Get the Free UAE Entry Visa?
The offer is not automatically available to every Indian traveller. It applies to Indian passport holders departing from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency (OTA).
To qualify, travellers need to meet these key conditions:
- Hold an Indian passport and travel from India.
- Book at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
- Have a return flight from India as part of the eligible booking.
- Make the booking through a participating travel partner or OTA.
Travellers cannot independently apply for the complimentary visa under this scheme. The initiative has specifically been designed for bookings handled by participating travel partners.
>> Read More: Golden Visa UAE: A Complete Guide
How Does the Free Visa Programme Work?
Under the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi covers the cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings. Participating travel companies can process visas through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), in which case the visa cost is covered directly.
Alternatively, travel companies can continue working with their existing DMC partners. In this arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse AED 285 for each eligible visa issued.
Offer Limited to 20,000 Visas
The free visa initiative is being introduced as a pilot programme and will initially cover up to 20,000 visas. Therefore, travellers planning an Abu Dhabi trip during the offer period may want to check availability with participating travel partners before finalising their bookings.
Why Has Abu Dhabi Introduced the Offer?
India remains one of Abu Dhabi's major international tourism markets. By covering visa costs, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to make the destination more accessible to Indian visitors while encouraging travellers to spend more time exploring its culture, entertainment, hospitality and attractions.
For Indian travellers considering a UAE trip between August and October, the initiative could reduce one of the upfront travel expenses—provided their holiday meets the eligibility requirements.
>> Read More: India Tops the List for Longest Visa Delays
