Tourism Program Covers Visa Charges for Qualifying Holiday Packages
ABU DHABI, UAE — Abu Dhabi is covering UAE entry visa charges for eligible Indian tourists who book qualifying holiday packages, part of a three-month initiative aimed at increasing visitor numbers and encouraging longer stays in the emirate.
The pilot program, introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, runs from August 1 through October 31, 2026. It has an initial capacity of up to 20,000 visas and applies to Indian passport holders traveling from India.
To qualify, travelers must book through a participating travel partner or online travel agency. Each eligible package must include a return flight from India and at least three consecutive hotel nights in Abu Dhabi.
The offer is not a general visa waiver for Indian citizens. Travelers who require a UAE entry visa must still obtain one, but DCT Abu Dhabi will pay the visa charge when all program conditions are satisfied.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Travelers
Three-Night Hotel Stay Is Mandatory
The minimum hotel-stay requirement positions the initiative as a tourism incentive rather than a standalone immigration benefit. By connecting the visa subsidy to at least three consecutive nights of accommodation, Abu Dhabi expects the program to generate additional business for hotels and other tourism operators.
The condition also targets visitors planning short holidays in the emirate instead of passengers passing through Abu Dhabi solely as a transit destination.
Qualifying packages must include return air travel originating in India. Participating agencies are responsible for arranging flights, accommodation and any other services included in the customer’s package.
Travelers should confirm that their booking meets all requirements and that space remains available within the 20,000-visa limit before making payment. The program is scheduled to close on October 31, even if unused capacity remains.
How the Visa Charges Will Be Processed
Travel Companies Can Use Two Processing Routes
DCT Abu Dhabi has established two arrangements for travel companies participating in the program.
Under the first option, destination management companies appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi will process visas for qualifying bookings. The department will pay the visa cost directly when agencies use this channel.
Travel partners that already work with their own destination management companies can continue using those relationships. Under that arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse eligible agencies for every qualifying visa issued.
The reimbursement is AED 285, equivalent to approximately US$77.60, for each eligible visa. The two processing options allow agencies to maintain existing commercial relationships while offering the same benefit to customers.
Flights and Hotels Are Not Included for Free
The initiative covers only the visa charge. Travelers remain responsible for flights, hotels and other costs associated with their holiday unless a participating provider offers separate discounts.
The promotion also does not change UAE immigration policy. Indian travelers must continue to comply with applicable passport, visa and entry requirements. They are advised to review the latest travel rules before departure because immigration conditions can change.
India Remains a Major Tourism Market
India was among Abu Dhabi’s strongest international visitor markets in 2025. Arrivals from India increased 22% from the previous year, compared with a 10% rise across the emirate’s major international source markets.
Abu Dhabi recorded 26.6 million visitors in 2025, including 5.9 million hotel guests. Hotel revenue climbed 19.5% to AED 9.1 billion, or about US$2.48 billion.
The meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector also contributed to the emirate’s tourism economy, attracting 2.2 million delegates during the year, a 40% increase.
Program Supports Abu Dhabi’s Wider India Strategy
The visa subsidy forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to expand air connectivity, deepen relationships with travel agencies and strengthen its position in India’s outbound tourism market.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, described India as one of the emirate’s most important international markets. He said Abu Dhabi remains committed to working with travel partners to improve accessibility for Indian visitors.
By absorbing the visa charge, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to make qualifying packages more attractive while giving agencies another incentive to recommend the emirate. Officials expect the program to support demand for Abu Dhabi’s hotels, cultural destinations, entertainment venues, hospitality businesses and natural attractions.
