UAE national carrier Etihad Airways is offering complimentary 96-hour tourist visas to guests transiting through the UAE, effective immediately.

The visas, ideal for travellers making stopover visits en route to their final destination, are being offered in co-operation with Radisson Blu hotel on Yas Island, the Abu Dhabi carrier said in a statement.

The offer is valid for travellers previously eligible for Etihad’s paid-for visa service - available at a cost of Dh300 ($81.6).

These include 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.

Eligible guests must have confirmed overnight accommodation at the Radisson Blu Yas Island, available at promotional rates from $70 per person per night, the statement added.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad chief commercial officer, said: “Not only is Abu Dhabi the place where East meets West, making it ideal for transiting to destinations worldwide, but it is also a world-class destination in its own right."

"With complimentary visa services on offer, more Etihad Airways guests will have the opportunity to experience the signature Arabic hospitality and exciting attractions of the UAE in a convenient and affordable way," he remarked.

According to him, the guests booking a three-night stay will also receive a complimentary Abu Dhabi City Tour.

"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," he noted.

Hala Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s destination management company, is available to all guests for booking custom itineraries, attractions and tours, he added.

Citizens of select countries are allowed to enter the UAE without a visa prior to arrival as long as they are carrying a valid passport that will not expire within six months of their arrival date.

These include Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and US among others.-TradeArabia News Service