Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has launched an initiative offering free United Arab Emirates entry visas to eligible Indian tourists booking holiday packages in the capital emirate. According to media reports, the promotional initiative runs from August 1 through October 31, aiming to boost visitor arrivals from India, which continues to serve as a vital international source market for the UAE’s tourism sector.
The program is accessible to Indian passport holders traveling from India who book their trips through authorized travel agencies or participating online travel platforms approved by Abu Dhabi’s tourism department. To qualify for the full visa fee waiver, itineraries must incorporate a minimum three-consecutive-night hotel stay within Abu Dhabi along with a confirmed round-trip flight from India. Under standard regulations, a 30-day UAE tourist visa incurs a fee of approximately 252 Emirati Dirhams (around 6,500 Indian Rupees), a cost that will be fully absorbed by the tourism authority for eligible bookings.
Independent visa applications do not qualify for this program, as eligibility remains strictly tied to curated bookings made through designated travel partners. By combining accommodation requirements with visa subsidies, Abu Dhabi seeks to enhance air connectivity, expand regional travel trade partnerships, and position the capital as an accessible destination for Indian travelers throughout the promotional period.
