Indian tourists can save around Dh285 with the scheme; here’s what to know about eligibility, travel dates, approvals and participating agencies.
Indian tourists looking to take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s complimentary visa scheme can now make bookings through 11 participating travel agencies, including MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook & SOTC, Thrillophilia and Akbar Holidays.
Eligible Indian passport holders can receive a 30-day UAE tourist visa, worth around Dh285, when they book an Abu Dhabi holiday of at least three nights through one of the participating travel partners.
The pilot programme, introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), covers travel between August 1 and October 31, 2026, and is initially set to support up to 20,000 complimentary visas.
Here’s what travellers need to know about Abu Dhabi’s complimentary visa scheme:
Which travel partners are participating?
The programme currently includes 11 travel partners:
- Holiday Tribe
- Thomas Cook & SOTC
- Thrillophilia
- Akbar Holidays
- Utazzo.com
- Kesari Tours
- Riya Travels
- Royal Tours
- PickYourTrail
- MakeMyTrip
- Aaryan Leisure
Travellers must book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday through one of these participating partners to qualify for the complimentary visa.
What type of visa is offered?
Eligible travellers will receive a 30-day UAE tourist visa, issued through participating travel and tour operators.
Is the scheme open to all Indian passport holders?
Yes. The programme is open to Indian passport holders who book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating partner.
What do the August 1 to October 31 dates mean?
The dates refer to the travel period, not simply the booking window.
Eligible trips must take place between August 1 and October 31, 2026.
Can travellers book before October 31 and travel later?
No. The trip itself must be completed within the programme period.
Booking an eligible package or obtaining the visa before October 31 will not qualify for the complimentary visa if the travel takes place after the deadline.
Is there a limit on free visas per family?
There is no stated limit on the number of complimentary visas per booking or family, provided each traveller meets the programme requirements, including the minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi.
The overall pilot is initially capped at 20,000 visas.
Is the visa guaranteed after booking?
No. Visa applications remain subject to UAE immigration requirements and approval by the relevant authorities.
Booking an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday therefore does not automatically guarantee visa issuance.
How long will visa processing take?
Applications will follow the standard processing timelines set by UAE immigration authorities. No separate or expedited processing period has been announced for the scheme.
How do travel agencies receive the visa benefit?
Participating travel partners can work through a Destination Management Company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the visa cost covered directly.
Alternatively, agencies can continue using their existing DMC partners, with DCT Abu Dhabi reimbursing around Dh285 per visa issued.
Will the scheme continue after October 31?
That remains undecided. DCT Abu Dhabi will assess the pilot after October before determining whether and how the programme will continue.
