GCC Unified Visa Nears Launch: Learn About Requirements

The Gulf Cooperation Council is preparing to launch a unified tourist visa that will allow travelers to move freely between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Known as the Gulf Grand Tours visa, the program mirrors the European Schengen model and is expected to be rolled out before the end of 2025.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi stated that the visa could become available by late 2025 or early 2026 once legal and technical steps are completed. The visa is expected to allow travel across all six member states with a validity ranging from one to three months.

Applications will be submitted through an electronic platform where travelers will provide required documents, including hotel bookings, health insurance, salary proof, and flight reservations. 

The visa will be open to tourists and visitors only. Laborers will not be permitted to use it, and doing so may result in penalties or deportation. However, job seekers can use the opportunity to explore employment prospects during their visit.

Visa fees have not been disclosed, but early reports suggest they will be affordable compared to applying for six separate entry permits. It may be accessible to visitors from Europe and the United States, while other nationalities might need to meet extra conditions. 

GCC nationals do not need this visa and continue to benefit from free movement within the region.

The unified visa aims to boost tourism by giving travelers easier access to the region’s attractions and cultural experiences. Tourists will be able to enjoy activities like horse riding, sand skiing, and other desert sports. 

Officials also hope the visa will create momentum for a larger transportation plan.

A regional railway project is also currently under discussion to connect Gulf cities and improve land travel. Spanning around 2117 kilometers, the line would start in Kuwait, pass through Dammam to Bahrain, continue into Qatar and the UAE, and finally reach Oman via Sohar. 

The project could make travel more convenient for residents, visitors, and investors while supporting the broader vision of economic cooperation across the Gulf.