Gulf Countries to Launch Schengen-Style Unified Visa for Seamless Regional Travel
In a major step toward regional integration and tourism expansion, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce a unified tourist visa that will allow travelers to explore six Gulf countries with a single permit. Dubbed the "GCC Grand Tours Visa," the initiative mirrors Europe’s Schengen system and is expected to launch in the near future.
Once operational, the visa will grant access to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, eliminating the need for separate entry permits for each destination. The move aims to ease travel logistics, encourage longer stays, and boost visitor numbers across the region.
Key Features of the GCC Unified Visa:
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Multi-Country Access: Entry into all six GCC countries with a single visa.
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Purpose: Limited to tourism and family visits.
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Application: To be submitted online via an official portal.
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Validity: Stays ranging from 30 to 90 days.
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Flexibility: Applicants can choose between single- or multi-country access.
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Affordability: Authorities have promised a reasonable pricing model.
Required Documents for Application:
According to Gulf News and GCC authorities, travelers will need:
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A valid passport
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A recent passport-sized photo
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Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter)
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Travel insurance valid across the GCC
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A recent bank statement showing financial means
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A round-trip flight ticket
What This Means for Travelers
The unified visa is expected to revolutionize travel within the Gulf by allowing seamless movement between member countries via road or air. Reduced administrative hurdles and faster border processing will make multi-destination itineraries more accessible.
The visa will also incorporate modern digital technologies to meet international security and identity standards. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi emphasized that the project reflects the leadership's vision to “strengthen integration and cooperation,” while also serving as a driver of tourism and economic development.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed at a press briefing that the visa has received final approval and is now in its implementation phase. “The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon,” he stated.
Economic Impact and Regional Tourism Goals
The unified visa is a cornerstone of the region’s broader plan to diversify its economy and grow its tourism sector. In 2023, the GCC region welcomed 68.1 million international visitors, generating more than $110 billion in tourism revenue — a 42.8% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The move is also expected to fuel "bleisure" travel (business and leisure), enabling business travelers to extend their stays and explore more destinations. The tourism sector is projected to play a critical role in job creation, with the UAE alone supporting 833,000 jobs in 2024, a figure expected to rise to 1 million by 2030, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
With destinations like Dubai — which welcomed over 7.1 million tourists between January and April 2025 — already serving as regional tourism hubs, the new visa will encourage broader Gulf exploration, connecting cities such as Muscat, Doha, Riyadh, and more.
Though an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, implementation plans are well underway.
? Source: Gulf News
