Abu Dhabi offers complimentary visas to Indian travellers
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has launched a new initiative for Indian travellers. The programme offers complimentary UAE entry visas on eligible Abu Dhabi holiday bookings. Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the programme applies to bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi. DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings. The initiative is available through participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Therefore, travellers must book their Abu Dhabi holiday through one of the participating partners to qualify.
Photo Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Three-night stays qualify for the programme
The programme is open to Indian passport holders departing from India. Eligible bookings must include at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel. Travellers must also have a return flight from India as part of their booking. The initiative therefore encourages longer stays while reducing the upfront cost of visiting the destination. For business travellers extending a work trip into a short leisure break, the offer could also provide an additional incentive. However, the programme specifically applies to Abu Dhabi holiday bookings made through participating travel partners.
Photo Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Travel partners can choose between two options
Participating travel partners can access the programme through two different models. They can work with a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company, with DCT Abu Dhabi covering visa costs directly. Alternatively, partners can continue working with their existing DMCs. In this case, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse AED 285 for each visa issued. This approach gives travel partners greater flexibility when packaging Abu Dhabi holidays for Indian customers. It also allows existing partnerships to continue during the pilot period.
Programme to support up to 20,000 visas
The initiative will initially support up to 20,000 visas during its pilot period. DCT Abu Dhabi says the programme forms part of its continued engagement with the Indian market. The initiative follows recent efforts to strengthen air connectivity and expand travel trade partnerships. It also aims to create new opportunities for Indian visitors to explore Abu Dhabi. For Indian travellers, the free UAE visa programme reduces one of the upfront costs associated with an Abu Dhabi holiday. Meanwhile, the three-night requirement could encourage visitors to spend longer exploring the emirate.
