Etihad offers complimentary 96-hour UAE visas

Etihad Airways on Tuesday said it is offering complimentary 96-hour tourist visas to guests transiting through the UAE, "effective immediately", targeted at travellers making stopover visits en route to their final destination. The visa complimentary visas are being offered in cooperation with Radisson Blu hotel on Yas Island, the Abu Dhabi carrier said in a statement, adding that eligible guests must have confirmed overnight accommodation at the Radisson Blu Yas Island, available at promotional rates from $70 per person per night. The visa offer, meanwhile, is valid for travellers previously eligible for Etihad Airways' paid-for visa service (available at a cost of Dh300), including passport holders from Bangladesh, Belarus, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam, the carrier stated. To book accommodation and apply for a complimentary visa, guests can visit etihad.com/freeuaevisa. A passport copy and passport-sized photograph are required for processing visa applications. Guests booking a 3-night stay will also receive a complimentary Abu Dhabi City Tour, the airline said in a statement. Further, listing "Terms and Conditions", Etihad said the booking must be made "72 hours in advance" and is subject to availability.