Abu Dhabi offers free UAE entry visas to Indian tourists booking longer stays
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Abu Dhabi is covering the cost of UAE entry visas for Indian tourists under a new travel programme aimed at encouraging longer holidays in the emirate.
The offer applies to Indian passport holders travelling from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
To qualify, travellers must book a return flight from India and stay for at least three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The program, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026.
It will initially cover up to 20,000 visas during the pilot phase.
DCT Abu Dhabi said it will pay the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings, helping reduce the upfront cost for Indian travellers.
India is one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international tourism markets, the tourism authority said.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “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”.
He said covering the visa cost would make it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi and give travel partners another reason to recommend the destination.
Yousuf added, “We look forward to welcoming more visitors as they spend longer exploring Abu Dhabi’s culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions”.
Who can apply?
The free visa offer is not available through direct individual applications.
Travellers must book through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
Eligible bookings must include:
* A minimum three-night stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel
* A return flight from India
* Booking through an approved travel partner or OTA
How it works for travel partners
Participating travel partners have two options under the programme.
They can route bookings through a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the tourism authority covering visa costs directly.
Alternatively, they can continue using their existing destination management company partners. In those cases, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each visa issued.
The scheme gives Indian travellers another reason to choose Abu Dhabi during the travel period, while supporting the emirate’s push to attract longer stays from one of its biggest visitor markets.