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What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The GCC Grand Tours Visa, also known as the GCC Unified Visa, is a new visa initiative that allows non-nationals to visit the six Gulf nations using one visa and move freely between each country. Introduced by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in a collaborative effort to promote tourism across the region, the unified GCC visa permits entry to the following GCC member countries:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The GCC Grand Tourist visa was officially approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2023 and will be introduced in efforts to increase tourism to the GCC, by making it more convenient for non-nationals living in Gulf countries to explore other countries in the region without needing to obtain separate visas. The exact launch date has not yet been confirmed but is anticipated to be late 2024 or early 2025.
The GCC countries involved are currently finalizing the logistics and regulatory framework for the visa, and although the full details of the visa are not available, it is thought that the Unified GCC Tourist Visa will offer extended validity, allowing travel across multiple countries for longer periods. It is thought the visa will cover activities such as tourism and visiting family and friends.
Why Choose the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours” Visa is expected to be a convenient and efficient way for tourists to visit multiple Gulf countries using a single visa. It is expected to have multiple advantages for both tourists and the participating countries.
Benefits for Tourists
Easy Multi-Country Travel within the GCC
Tourists can enjoy the freedom to travel seamlessly across several GCC countries with a single visa. This eliminates the need for multiple applications and allows travelers to visit more of the Gulf region with fewer administrative difficulties.
Simplified Visa Process
The application process for the Grand Tours Visa will be completely online. Having a user-friendly online application process that allows tourists to apply for a single visa to visit all six nations in a few short minutes reduces the hassle and time typically involved in obtaining separate visas for each country.
Cost-Effective
Tourists can save money by applying for just one visa, rather than needing to pay for multiple different visas. This makes the GCC Visa an affordable choice for tourists looking to explore the Gulf region
Greater Opportunity for Travel
The GCC visa allows tourists the opportunity to visit all six culturally rich and diverse countries easily and with low administrative effort. For people who love to travel, having the opportunity to visit all six countries is a significant advantage of the visa.
Benefits for the GCC Community
Economic Impact
The introduction of the visa is likely to boost tourism and lead to increased spending in local economies, job creation, and increased development in the hospitality and service sectors, all of which will have significant positive impacts on the local economies.
Cultural Exchange
The multi-country travel and the likely increase in tourism encourages interactions between visitors and local communities which encourages greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and diverse cultures.
Required Documents
To apply for the Unified GCC Visa, you will likely need to provide several important documents. These documents will help verify your identity, travel intentions, and preparedness for your journey across the GCC countries.
Although all the details of the visa have not yet been finalized, below is a list of the typical documents that are expected to be required:
Additional Documents
Some applications may require additional documentation, such as:
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Return or onward ticket
Confirmation of hotel bookings, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host residing in one of the GCC countries.
A detailed plan of your travel within the GCC, including flight bookings or other transportation details between the countries.
Proof of valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation throughout your stay in the GCC countries.
Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the GCC region.
Evidence of a return flight to your home country or onward travel to another destination outside the GCC region.
How to Apply for the GCC Grand Tours Visa
Applying for the GCC Grand Tours Visa is expected to be a simple and straightforward process, aiming to make travel across the Gulf region easy and accessible. While the specific details of the application process have not yet been finalized, a step-by-step guide to completing the application is listed below based on typical visa application procedures:
How to Apply for the GCC Grand Tours Visa
Applying for the GCC Grand Tours Visa is expected to be a simple and straightforward process, aiming to make travel across the Gulf region easy and accessible. While the specific details of the application process have not yet been finalized, a step-by-step guide to completing the application is listed below based on typical visa application procedures:
1
Fill Out the Online Application
You will likely need to navigate to the online application form and enter all required details, such as your personal information, travel dates, and intended itinerary across the GCC countries.
2
Submit Required Documents
Upload digital copies of the necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and any other documents requested as part of the application process.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee securely through the online payment portal. Ensure you have a valid payment method available for this step.
4
Receive Your Visa
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your approved GCC Unified Visa electronically via email. Print a copy of the visa and carry it with you during your travels within the GCC region.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact validity period of the visa has not been finalized, but it is expected to offer a reasonable duration for travel across multiple GCC countries, likely ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Once the visa has been launched, you will be able to apply for it on our website, by completing an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, you will receive the visa electronically.
Currently, the GCC Grand Tours Visa is expected to be available using online applications only, meaning you will need to apply for it online before arrival. Check the official visa guidelines and GCC visa news to confirm if there are any options for visa-on-arrival in the future once more information has been announced.
The Unified GCC Visa is another name for the Grand Tour Visa and the Unified Tourist Visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is sometimes called the “Unified Visa” as it allows travel to multiple GCC countries using one visa.
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a notification outlining the reasons for the rejection. You may be able to reapply after addressing the issues mentioned or contact the relevant authorities for further assistance.