New initiative enables participating travel partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas for Indian passport holders booking a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi from 1 August to 31 October 2026
Abu Dhabi free visa for Indian tourists is now available through a new travel trade initiative introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The programme enables participating partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders booking holidays in Abu Dhabi.
Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the programme applies to bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi. Under the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings, reducing the upfront cost of travelling to Abu Dhabi while enabling travel partners to create greater value for their customers.
The Abu Dhabi free visa for Indian tourists initiative is available only for eligible bookings made through participating travel partners. The programme has been developed exclusively for participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Travellers booking a three-night Abu Dhabi package through participating partners will receive their UAE entry visa at no additional cost. For eligible Indian travellers, the Abu Dhabi free visa for Indian tourists programme provides an additional incentive to plan an Abu Dhabi holiday during the promotional period.
Abu Dhabi Free Visa for Indian Tourists: Programme Details
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – 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. By covering the cost of UAE entry visas, we are making it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi while giving our travel partners another compelling reason to recommend the destination. We look forward to welcoming more visitors as they spend longer exploring Abu Dhabi’s culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions.”
The programme is available to Indian passport holders departing from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners. Eligible bookings must include a minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.
How the Abu Dhabi Free Visa Programme Works
Participating travel partners can choose between two programme options. They may either work through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), with DCT Abu Dhabi covering visa costs directly, or continue using their existing DMC partners, with DCT Abu Dhabi reimbursing AED 285 for each visa issued.
The Abu Dhabi free visa for Indian tourists programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas during the pilot period and is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s continued engagement with the Indian market. It follows recent initiatives to strengthen air connectivity, expand travel trade partnerships and create new opportunities for Indian visitors to experience Abu Dhabi.
