GCC to Launch Schengen-Style Unified Tourist Visa by 2025
A new unified visa system is set to transform travel across the Gulf region, allowing tourists to move seamlessly between six Middle Eastern countries under a single entry permit.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved the launch of a Unified Tourist Visa, which will allow foreign nationals to visit multiple member states with one visa—mirroring the functionality of Europe’s Schengen visa. The rollout is expected by late 2025 or early 2026, according to regional authorities.
Once implemented, the visa will be valid across all six GCC member states: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
Key Features of the Unified Visa
The new initiative—referred to interchangeably as the Unified GCC Tourist Visa or GCC Grand Tours Visa—will offer travellers two options: a visa for a single GCC country or a multi-country visa covering several or all member states.
While final details on visa fees and validity periods are still under discussion, authorities have indicated that the visa may be valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the itinerary.
The entire application process will be conducted online via a centralized platform. Applicants will be asked to:
- Provide personal details, travel plans, and intended destinations
- Choose between single-country and multi-country travel options
- Upload required documentation, including:
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-style photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Comprehensive travel insurance valid across the GCC
- A recent bank statement as proof of financial means
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
Visa fees will be payable online via a secure payment system. The visa itself will be issued electronically via email, though travellers will be advised to carry a printed copy when travelling between GCC countries.
Officials note that the unified visa will be more affordable than applying for individual visas for each country.
Restrictions and Purpose
The unified visa will be strictly for tourism, short-term visits, and family travel. It will not permit employment or long-term stays, which will continue to be governed by the individual immigration policies of each country.
GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi hailed the initiative as a step toward deeper regional integration. “The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation,” he said in a public statement.
Why This Matters
The new visa is expected to boost regional tourism, encourage longer and more flexible itineraries, and streamline travel logistics. GCC authorities also expect broader economic benefits, particularly for the hospitality, aviation, ground transport, and retail sectors.
In 2023, the Gulf region welcomed over 68 million tourists, generating more than $110 billion in tourism revenue. Dubai alone recorded over 7.1 million visitors between January and April 2024, making it a likely gateway city for multi-country travel under the new system.
The initiative is also expected to promote "bleisure" (business + leisure) travel. Business visitors may extend their trips to explore neighbouring countries, helping support job creation and cross-border investment.
In the UAE, the travel and tourism sector supported 833,000 jobs in 2024. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, that figure could rise to 1 million jobs by 2030 as the unified visa expands market access across the Gulf.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed the policy during a press event, stating, “The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and is now waiting to be implemented, hopefully soon.”
As the launch date approaches, travellers and businesses across the region are preparing for a new era of Gulf-wide mobility.
Source:
Arab News – Unified GCC Tourist Visa to Launch by 2025
