Indian travellers can save around Dh285 under the scheme. Here’s everything to know about eligibility, travel dates, approvals and participating agents.
Indian tourists can save around Dh285 on visa fees under Abu Dhabi’s new complimentary visa scheme.
The offer is available to Indian passport holders who book a holiday in Abu Dhabi for at least three nights through participating travel partners. The pilot programme will run until October 31, 2026, with up to 20,000 visas initially available under the scheme.
The travel period under the scheme runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026. There is no limit on the number of complimentary visas that can be issued for each family or booking, as long as all travellers meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Here is what travellers need to know about Abu Dhabi’s complimentary visa scheme:
What type of visa is offered?
Eligible travellers will receive a 30-day UAE tourist visa issued through participating tour operators and travel agencies.
Is the scheme open to all Indian passport holders?
Yes. The programme is open to Indian passport holders who book an eligible holiday in Abu Dhabi through participating travel partners.
What do the August 1 to October 31 dates refer to?
The dates apply specifically to the travel period.
Eligible trips must take place between August 1 and October 31, 2026.
Can travellers book before October 31 and travel later?
No.
All eligible travel must be completed by October 31, 2026.
Simply booking an eligible holiday package or securing the visa before the deadline will not make a traveller eligible if the actual trip takes place after October 31.
Is there a limit on the number of free visas per family?
No. There is no limit on the number of complimentary visas that can be issued per family or booking, provided each traveller meets the programme’s eligibility requirements, including the minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi.
The overall pilot programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas.
Is the visa guaranteed once the holiday is booked?
No. Visa applications remain subject to UAE immigration rules and other applicable requirements and must be approved by the relevant government authorities.
Booking an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday package does not automatically guarantee visa approval.
How long will visa processing take?
Applications will be processed according to the standard timelines set by UAE immigration authorities.
No separate or expedited processing period has been announced for visas issued under the programme.
Which travel agencies are participating?
The complimentary visas will be available through participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Details of the participating operators are expected to be announced soon.
Under the programme, travel partners can either work with a Destination Management Company (DMC) appointed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, with the visa cost covered directly, or continue working with their existing DMC partners.
In the latter case, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse approximately Dh285 per visa issued.
Will the scheme continue after October 31?
A decision on whether to extend the programme has not yet been made.
Authorities will assess the impact of the pilot after October 2026 before deciding on the next steps.
