Indian tourists are being offered a compelling incentive to visit the United Arab Emirates, as Abu Dhabi has launched a new initiative providing free entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders. This promotional program, reported by Gulf News, is set to run from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and will initially accommodate up to 20,000 visas.
Details of the Visa Offer
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), aims to enhance tourism by covering the full cost of UAE entry visas for Indian travelers who book their holidays through designated travel partners or online travel agencies. To qualify, travelers must stay for a minimum of three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel and possess a return flight to India. It is important to note that this visa benefit is contingent upon booking a qualifying holiday package and cannot be obtained through independent visa applications.
Eligibility and Application Process
To take advantage of this offer, Indian passport holders must adhere to specific requirements. They are required to book their travel through a participating travel partner or an online travel agency, ensure a minimum stay of three nights in Abu Dhabi, and have a confirmed return flight from India. This program does not equate to a blanket visa-free entry for all Indian citizens; rather, it waives the visa fee for those who meet the criteria within the limited timeframe.
Participating travel partners will facilitate the visa processing through a DCT-appointed destination management company, with the tourism department directly covering the associated costs. Additionally, travel partners may continue to utilize their existing management companies, with DCT Abu Dhabi reimbursing Dh285 for each visa issued.
This three-month initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to attracting more visitors from India, a key market for the emirate. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of India as a vital international tourism source and expressed that waiving visa costs would simplify travel decisions for Indian tourists. The program also aims to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi's rich culture, entertainment, hospitality, and natural attractions.
