New GCC ‘One-Stop’ Travel System Begins in the UAE and Bahrain

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has begun the pilot phase of a new “one-stop” travel system, with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain becoming the first countries to roll it out. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline movement between Gulf countries and increase regional integration.

The announcement was made during the 42nd meeting of the GCC Interior Ministers in Kuwait City. Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi confirmed that the first phase of the initiative will focus on air travel between the UAE and Bahrain, starting in December 2025.

Under the new system, Gulf nationals will complete immigration, customs, and security procedures at a single checkpoint. The one-stop travel system will eliminate the need for repeated inspections at their destination.

According to Albudaiwi, this pilot is a first step. If successful, the one-stop system will be expanded to cover all six GCC member states, and all exit and entry formalities will take place at a single point. 

The launch of the one-stop system comes as the GCC prepares for another regional milestone, the introduction of a unified tourist visa. Often referred to as the “GCC Grand Tourist Visa,” the scheme is set to begin its pilot phase later this year.

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, described the visa as a strategic move to promote the Gulf as a shared travel destination. He said the new visa would make it easier for international visitors to explore multiple GCC countries in one trip.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb noted that the visa is expected to be fully implemented by 2026 or 2027.