Unified GCC tourist visa for six Gulf nations to launch soon: What to know

In a landmark move set to transform travel in the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch a unified tourist visa that will allow visitors to explore six Gulf nations with a single permit. Once operational, the visa will grant access to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman offering a seamless travel experience across the bloc. Designed to boost regional tourism, streamline mobility and support non-oil economic growth, the GCC’s ‘Grand Tours Visa’ mirrors Europe’s Schengen model and marks a major step towards deeper regional integration. The visa plan was officially approved in November 2023 at a meeting of interior ministers in Oman. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi, who confirmed the development, hailed it as a landmark achievement driven by cooperation and forward-looking leadership. “The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation,” he said, adding that the system would modernise the region’s travel infrastructure while enhancing its appeal as a global tourism hub.

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Published on: 03 Jul, 2025