Abu Dhabi Launches Free UAE Entry Visa Program for Indian Tourists
As part of a new tourism initiative, eligible Indian travelers booking a stay of at least three nights can receive a complimentary visa for visits through October 31, 2026.
Abu Dhabi has announced a program offering free UAE entry visas to Indian tourists, a move that could facilitate travel and tourism between the two nations. Indian passport holders are eligible for the visa exemption under the initiative, which aligns with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and boost economic cooperation. The policy, reported by The Indian Express and tracked via Google News India, reflects growing diplomatic and commercial connections between the UAE and India, though specific implementation details and duration remain to be clarified. The announcement comes amid ongoing regional efforts to enhance cross-border mobility and tourism post-pandemic.
Abu Dhabi has launched a travel initiative offering Indian tourists free UAE entry visas for bookings made through participating partners, with the program running from August 1 to October 31, 2026, according to a statement from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). "India continues to be one of our most important international markets," said Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, during the announcement today. "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" (Indian Express).
Eligible Indian passport holders must book a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi through approved travel partners or online agencies to avail the complimentary visa, which covers the full cost of UAE entry permits (Google News India). The initiative, part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s travel trade program, allows partners to either collaborate with a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC) for direct visa cost coverage or receive a reimbursement of AED 285 per visa if using existing DMC partners. Travelers must also include a return flight from India in their bookings (Google News India).
The program aims to reduce upfront travel expenses for Indian visitors, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and post-pandemic tourism recovery. DCT Abu Dhabi has prioritized expanding air connectivity and deepening partnerships with Indian travel operators in recent years, including increased flight frequencies and targeted marketing campaigns (Google News India). This initiative builds on those efforts, with Yousuf emphasizing the emirate’s commitment to enhancing accessibility for Indian tourists (Indian Express).
The free visa offer applies exclusively to holidays booked during the specified period and is limited to 20,000 visas under the pilot phase. While DCT Abu Dhabi has outlined the program’s framework, details on potential extensions beyond October 31 or adjustments to eligibility criteria remain unspecified. Travelers are advised to confirm participation with specific partners, as the initiative relies on collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and accredited agencies (Google News India).
As of today, Indian tourists planning visits to Abu Dhabi can leverage the program to offset visa costs, though its long-term impact on travel volumes and economic cooperation between the UAE and India will depend on uptake and post-pilot evaluations.
Google News India·Indian Express