Abu Dhabi has launched a new program offering free UAE entry visas to eligible Indian passport holders traveling from India. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), aims to boost tourism from a key international market.
Who Qualifies for the Free Visa?
To be eligible for the free UAE visa, Indian passport holders must meet specific criteria:
- They must be departing from India.
- The Abu Dhabi holiday booking must be made through a participating travel partner or online travel agency (OTA).
- The booking must include at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
- A return flight from India must be part of the package.
It is important to note that travelers cannot apply for the free visa independently; the offer is exclusively facilitated through approved travel partners and OTAs.
How the Visa Program Works
The program is designed to simplify the visa process and reduce upfront costs for Indian visitors. Travel partners have two primary methods for processing the visas:
- Through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC): In this scenario, DCT Abu Dhabi directly covers the full cost of the visa.
- Using existing DMC partners: If a travel partner prefers to work with their current DMC, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each visa issued under the program.
The pilot scheme is set to support up to 20,000 visas between August 1 and October 31, 2026. Bookings for this limited-period offer are available until October 31, 2026.
Strategic Move to Attract Indian Travelers
India remains a crucial international tourism market for Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the emirate's commitment to strengthening air connectivity and expanding partnerships within the travel trade to make Abu Dhabi more accessible.
"India continues to be one of our most important international markets, and we remain committed to working closely with our travel partners to make Abu Dhabi even more accessible for Indian travellers," said Abdulla Yousuf. "Covering the visa cost would make it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi while giving travel partners another reason to recommend the destination."
This initiative follows recent efforts by Abu Dhabi to enhance its appeal to Indian visitors, creating new opportunities for them to explore the emirate's rich culture, diverse entertainment, renowned hospitality, and natural attractions.