Jassim Al-Badawi Shares Update on GCC Unified Visa

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has confirmed that the long-awaited GCC unified visa is nearing its official rollout. The initiative, known as the Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours,” has entered its final approval phase after years of planning.

In an interview, Al-Budaiwi stated that the unified visa GCC program is part of a wider strategy to increase regional mobility and attract international visitors. Once operational, the system will allow travelers to move between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates using a single Gulf visa.

This unified visa for GCC countries is similar to the Schengen system used in Europe to enable seamless travel across borders. Officials say the program will strengthen the Gulf’s appeal as a connected tourism destination while supporting joint investments and large-scale events across member states.

The GCC tourist visa also complements other regional integration projects, including the Gulf railway network. Spanning more than 2,100 kilometers, the railway will link major cities and provide a cross-border transportation solution that aligns with the new visa system.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the approved unified GCC tourist visa is also expected to simplify travel logistics for both tourists and residents of the GCC countries. As part of the implementation process, travelers will be able to apply online for a unified GCC visa through a digital platform.

The GCC visa for the UAE and neighboring countries has already received support from tourism authorities who view it as a tool to boost visitor numbers, increase spending, and support job creation. The unified GCC visa is central to positioning the region as a single, accessible destination under the brand of GCC Grand Tours.

As the final legal and technical steps are completed, the unified tourist visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. This latest GCC visa news marks a significant development in the region’s push toward shared growth and long-term tourism expansion.