What Exactly Is the Offer?
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a pilot program specifically for the Indian market. The initiative covers the cost of a UAE entry visa for Indian passport holders who book a qualifying holiday package to
Abu Dhabi. This offer is valid for travel booked and completed between August 1 and October 31, 2026. The program is a pilot, with an initial cap of 20,000 visas being funded by the tourism department to encourage longer stays from one of its most important travel markets.
The 'Package-Linked' Requirement
This is not a standalone free visa you can apply for independently. The offer is exclusively tied to booking a specific type of travel package. To qualify, your booking must be made through a participating travel partner or an approved online travel agency. Critically, the package must include both a return flight originating from India and a minimum of three consecutive nights of accommodation in an Abu Dhabi hotel. Splitting your stay between Abu Dhabi and another emirate, for example, might disqualify you from the offer even if your total trip is longer.
What Does 'Free' Really Mean?
The offer covers the actual visa issuance fee, which DCT Abu Dhabi has stated is valued at AED 285 (approximately ₹6,500). DCT Abu Dhabi either pays this cost directly to its appointed Destination Management Companies (DMCs) or reimburses travel agencies that use their own DMC partners. This means the visa fee itself should not appear on your final bill from the travel agent. However, this does not mean the entire process is without cost. Travellers should clarify with their travel agent if any separate administrative or service fees for processing the visa application still apply, in addition to the cost of the flight and hotel package itself.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The program is designed for a very specific group of travellers. You must be an Indian passport holder, and your journey must originate from India. Travellers booking their flights and hotels separately will not be eligible for this visa fee waiver. The entire booking must be channelled through one of the participating travel companies that are enrolled in this specific DCT Abu Dhabi program. Before committing to a package, it is crucial to confirm with your travel agency that they are an official partner for this promotion.
How to Navigate the Process
The first step is to identify a travel agency or online portal participating in the scheme. When requesting a quote, you should explicitly ask for a package that includes the free UAE entry visa under the DCT Abu Dhabi pilot program. Ensure the written confirmation for your booking clearly states that the package includes a minimum of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and that the visa fee is covered. Your travel partner will handle the visa application process on your behalf using one of the two approved methods: either through a DCT-appointed DMC or via their own DMC for later reimbursement. You simply need to provide the necessary documents, such as your passport copy and photos, to your agent.
