Three-month pilot scheme covers qualifying holiday bookings and up to 20,000 visas for Indian passport holders travelling from India
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Abu Dhabi has launched a limited-period programme offering complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian tourists who book qualifying holiday packages in the emirate.
The initiative, introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is running from August 1 to October 31, 2026. It is aimed at encouraging more Indian visitors to choose Abu Dhabi for their holidays.
Under the scheme, Indian passport holders travelling from India must book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating travel agency or approved online travel agency. The booking must include a return flight from India and at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The visa cannot be obtained independently under the offer. Participating travel partners will arrange the application through approved destination management companies. DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the visa cost, with the programme providing reimbursement of about AED 285 for eligible visas processed through existing partners.
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The initiative is being introduced as a pilot programme and is expected to support up to 20,000 visas during the three-month period
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Travellers have therefore been advised to confirm eligibility and availability with participating travel partners before making their bookings
The move comes as Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its appeal among Indian travellers, one of its important international tourism markets. The visa incentive is also intended to support travel trade partnerships and encourage longer stays in the emirate.
For Indian tourists planning an Abu Dhabi holiday before the end of October, the programme could reduce the upfront cost of obtaining a UAE entry visa, provided all the booking and travel conditions are met.
