Indian tourists can now avail UAE visas for free; here's how
The free-visa initiative that came into force during the first week of August will run till October 31.
Abu Dhabi launched a new initiative to attract Indian tourists by covering the cost of their UAE visas during a pilot phase from August 1 to October 31. Indian passport holders can benefit from this programme by booking a minimum three-night holiday package in Abu Dhabi, including hotel accommodation and return flights, through designated travel partners.
Abu Dhabi launched a new initiative to attract Indian tourists by covering the cost of their UAE visas during a pilot phase from August 1 to October 31. Indian passport holders can benefit from this programme by booking a minimum three-night holiday package in Abu Dhabi, including hotel accommodation and return flights, through designated travel partners.
Abu Dhabi launched a new initiative to attract Indian tourists by covering the cost of their UAE visas during a pilot phase from August 1 to October 31. Indian passport holders can benefit from this programme by booking a minimum three-night holiday package in Abu Dhabi, including hotel accommodation and return flights, through designated travel partners.
A new Abu Dhabi tourism initiative will allow Indians to fly to the United Arab Emirates with a free visa facility. The cost of visa will be covered by Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
Up to 20,000 visas will be covered under the initiative during the pilot phase. The programme that came into force during the first week of August will run till October 31.
How to avail free UAE visa?
If you are an Indian passport holder, you just need to book a three-night holiday package and stay at a hotel in Abu Dhabi for at least three consecutive nights. For this, you need to book through a participating travel partner or online travel agency. You also need to book a return flight to India to avail the free visa.
Indian tourists can process their visas through a Destination Management Company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, which will cover the cost of visa directly. They can also process via travel partners, for which DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for each visa.
“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,” said Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi.
“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.”
Dubai woos Indians
Abu Dhabi is not the only emirate in the UAE that is wooing Indians to explore its culture. Dubai has offered more than Dh 3,000 in hotel discounts and dining deals to residents who invite their family and friends to visit the emirate, according to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This initiative also runs till October 31 while the residents can use the rewards until December 31, 2026.
A UAE resident can invite up to five visitors under the campaign. The resident needs to provide information such as Emirates ID details, date of birth, gender and email ID. The visitors will also have furnish details such as full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, gender, relationship with the UAE resident and expected arrival month in Dubai.