Abu Dhabi Offers Free UAE Visas to Indian Tourists Under New Tourism Scheme

Abu Dhabi has launched a pilot programme offering free UAE entry visas to Indian tourists who book qualifying holiday packages, in a move aimed at boosting tourism from India.

Under the initiative, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will cover the full cost of the entry visa, valued at approximately AED 285 (US$77) per traveller.

The scheme will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026, with up to 20,000 visas initially available.

To qualify, travellers must be Indian passport holders departing from India, book their trip through a participating travel partner or online travel agency, stay at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel, and hold a return flight ticket from India.

The free visa cannot be obtained through independent applications. It is available only as part of qualifying travel packages arranged through approved partners.

Participating travel companies can either use a DCT-appointed destination management company, with visa costs covered directly by DCT Abu Dhabi, or process the visas through their existing partners and receive reimbursement of AED 285 per visa.

Officials said the initiative is designed to reduce upfront travel costs for Indian visitors while encouraging longer stays in Abu Dhabi. India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s key international tourism markets.

The offer applies to travel taking place between August 1 and October 31, 2026. There is also no stated limit on the number of free visas per family or booking, provided every traveller meets the eligibility requirements.