Abu Dhabi, Aug 10: Indian passport holders travelling from India can now get their UAE entry visa free of charge when they book a holiday in Abu Dhabi for at least three nights.

The new initiative, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026. It will initially cover up to 20,000 visas.

Under the scheme, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible travellers who make their bookings through participating travel companies or online travel agencies.

Who can get the free visa?

The offer is available to Indian passport holders travelling from India.

To qualify, travellers must:

• Book their holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.

• Stay in a hotel in Abu Dhabi for at least three consecutive nights.

• Have a return flight from India.

How does the scheme work?

Travellers do not have to pay an additional visa fee if their holiday package meets the programme conditions.

Participating travel companies can process the visas in two ways.

They can work with a Destination Management Company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the department directly covering the visa cost.

Alternatively, travel companies can continue working with their existing destination management companies. In this case, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each visa issued.

Why is Abu Dhabi offering free visas?

India is one of Abu Dhabi’s key international tourism markets, and the initiative is aimed at attracting more Indian visitors.

DCT Abu Dhabi said the programme follows efforts to improve air connectivity, strengthen partnerships with travel companies and create more opportunities for Indian tourists to visit the emirate.

“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, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi.

He said covering the visa cost would make it easier for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi and give travel companies another reason to recommend the destination.

DCT Abu Dhabi said it hopes the initiative will encourage more Indian visitors to spend longer in Abu Dhabi and explore its culture, entertainment, hotels and natural attractions.