In a landmark move to promote tourism and regional connectivity, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch the GCC Grand Tours Visa—a single-entry tourist visa that will allow travelers to visit all six Gulf states under one unified permit.
Set to debut by late 2025 or early 2026, this visa is expected to reshape Gulf tourism by making multi-country travel across the region more seamless than ever.
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Unified Visa Backed by GCC Leadership
GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi confirmed the development of the unified visa, describing it as a major step toward enhanced regional collaboration. The program aims to modernize travel infrastructure and boost tourism throughout the Gulf.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri also confirmed in June 2025 that the visa initiative is in its final implementation phase. It is currently being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and other national administrative agencies across the GCC.
What Is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The GCC Grand Tours Visa, often referred to simply as the GCC Visa, is a joint tourist visa introduced by the six GCC countries:
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- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Modeled after the EU’s Schengen Visa, this system is designed to simplify border crossings and position the GCC as a single, multi-country travel destination. It was endorsed at a GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting held in Oman in November 2023.
Key Features of the GCC Visa
Here’s what travelers can expect:
- Travel to all six GCC countries on a single visa
- Validity ranging from 1 to 3 months
- Issued strictly for tourism and family visits
- Online application process for ease of access
- Lower cost and faster processing than applying for individual national visas
- Enhanced security systems aligned with international standards
What You’ll Need to Apply
To be eligible for the GCC Grand Tours Visa, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Hotel booking or an invitation letter from a resident host
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Valid travel insurance
Applications will be processed through an official GCC visa portal (not yet launched). Once approved, visas will be delivered via email and can be either printed or shown digitally upon arrival.
When Will the GCC Tourist Visa Be Available?
Though an exact launch date hasn’t been announced, GCC officials confirm that the system is in its final development phase. Tourists are encouraged to monitor official GCC communications for updates on the launch of the visa portal and official go-live date.
Security and Technology Integration
The new visa system will incorporate advanced security protocols and utilize modern digital infrastructure to streamline processing and verification. This ensures both efficiency and safety for travelers and GCC member states alike.
Why the Unified Visa Matters
The GCC Grand Tours Visa is more than just a travel document—it represents a strategic initiative to encourage tourism, economic integration, and cultural exchange across the region. Key benefits include:
- Increased tourist arrivals by simplifying cross-border travel
- Lower costs and less paperwork for international visitors
- Boost to local businesses in hospitality, transport, and retail
- Promotion of longer stays and deeper engagement with Gulf cultures
This unified visa is a bold step toward branding the GCC as a single, interconnected travel destination. With a simplified application process, shared security protocols, and access to diverse experiences, the visa promises to redefine tourism in the Middle East.
