Thomas Cook India and SOTC Partner with Abu Dhabi Tourism to Offer Free UAE Visas

Travel companies Thomas Cook India Limited and its group firm SOTC Travel have partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi to offer complimentary UAE tourist visas to Indian travellers. Under Abu Dhabi's Visa Subsidy Programme, qualifying customers will receive a 30-day tourist visa at no extra cost. This limited-time scheme with DCT Abu Dhabi is available from 1 August to 31 October 2026, covering trips within the same period. The promotion aims to reduce initial travel expenses for Indian tourists who wish to visit the UAE capital ahead of the peak festive season. The free UAE visa scheme is available while booking holiday packages through either company.

Free UAE Visa Scheme Details and Eligibility

The free visa scheme is available with specific leisure package bookings made through Thomas Cook India and SOTC's websites, retail outlets or mobile applications. Key conditions of the offer include:

Minimum Hotel Stay The selected package must be of atleast a continuous stay of three nights or more at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
Return Travel The booking must include a confirmed return flight departing from India.
Cost Savings Indian tourists can save the full visa fee of AED 285 under this subsidy per person, which is approximately ₹6,440.
Booking Window Valid for new holiday bookings made and completed between 1 August and 31 October 2026.

Important Note: Since Abu Dhabi is an expensive place, don't forget to buy travel insurance

Programme Overview and Specifications

The joint initiative links destination marketing directly with tour operators, streamlining the administrative and visa process for holidaymakers.

Category	Operational Details
Promotional Period	1 August 2026 to 31 October 2026
Eligible Outlets	Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel (online and retail stores)
Visa Type Provided	30-day tourist entry visa
Fee Exemption	Full waiver of AED 285 fee / passenger
Stay Requirement	Minimum 3 nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel

Strategic Impact on Indian Travellers

India remains one of the largest international audience for tourism in Abu Dhabi. Company executives hope that eliminating visa fees significantly can help reduce overall trip costs for large families planning international vacations abroad. The scheme aims to attract group travellers, making short-haul international holidays more attractive.

By pairing government visa subsidies with well-known travel companies in India, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to increase longer leisure stays rather than brief transit stops. The move is expected to increase higher booking volumes across major Indian metropolitan areas. It can be availed for family holidays, cultural tours, and short breaks during the late summer and autumn travel seasons.

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