Abu Dhabi, Aug 11: Abu Dhabi has launched a three-month promotional programme under which eligible Indian tourists can have their UAE entry visa charges covered when booking qualifying holiday packages in the emirate.
The initiative, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will remain valid from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is expected to cover up to 20,000 visas during the pilot period.
Under the programme, Indian passport holders travelling from India can avail themselves of the visa benefit by booking an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
However, the offer is not a blanket visa waiver for all Indian travellers. The visa charge will be covered only when travellers meet the conditions attached to the qualifying holiday package.
Eligible travellers are required to:
- Hold an Indian passport and travel to Abu Dhabi from India.
- Book their holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
- Stay for at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
- Have a return flight from India as part of the qualifying booking.
The visa benefit is linked directly to the holiday package, meaning travellers cannot independently apply for a UAE visa and later claim the promotional waiver.
The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to strengthen its position as a preferred international destination for Indian travellers and encourage longer stays in the emirate.
Officials said the programme is also intended to support travel partners and make Abu Dhabi holiday packages more attractive to Indian visitors.
The pilot will operate until October 31, subject to the initial allocation of 20,000 visas. Travellers planning to use the offer have therefore been advised to confirm their eligibility and availability of the promotional allocation with participating travel agencies before making their bookings.
