GCC Unified Visa Application Guide (GCC Grand Tours Visa)

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What is the GCC Unified Visa?

The GCC Unified Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, is a new initiative that allows non-Gulf country citizens to visit one or all six GCC nations with a single visa.

This unified tourist visa was introduced by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to facilitate travel and attract more visitors to the region.

With this visa, you can enter:

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Oman

Instead of applying for separate visas for each country, you can move between these Gulf nations using just the GCC unified visa, which can be both time and cost-efficient.

The GCC countries officially approved the Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours” in 2023. The main goal is to make it simple for non-GCC nationals, even those already living in one Gulf country, to travel around the area without extra paperwork.

The GCC visa application is expected to open in late 2025, though the exact start date is not set yet.

Who is Eligible?

Here’s a quick look at who can apply for the unified GCC visa:

  • Open to eligible travelers who are not citizens of any GCC country.
  • Foreign residents who already live in one of the GCC countries can also apply for the unified visa for GCC countries.

*The final list of who can apply by nationality has not been shared yet, but GCC leaders have said it would cover many countries

GCC nationals will still travel within the region as they do now, using their national ID cards.

What Can You Use it for?

  • Tourism trips across the Gulf region.
  • Visiting family or friends in other GCC countries.

Exclusions & Special Cases:

  • People who want a work or labor visa cannot use the unified tourist visa.
  • Anyone who has broken visa rules in GCC countries before might get turned down for the unified GCC visa.

How to Apply for the GCC Unified Visa

When the GCC Grand Tours Visa application opens, the process should be pretty easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what the GCC unified visa application might look like:

How to Apply for the GCC Unified Visa

When the GCC Grand Tours Visa application opens, the process should be pretty easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what the GCC unified visa application might look like:

1

Visit Our GCC Visa Portal

Go to the GCC Grand Tours Visa Portal. This will be the main place for your GCC visa application.

2

Choose Your Travel Option

Pick if you want to visit just one country or get a multi-country visa to explore the whole region.

3

Submit Your Travel Details

Fill out your travel plans and add any needed documents to your GCC Grand Tours visa application.

4

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay for your visa safely through the online payment system.

5

Get Your Visa by Email

Wait for your visa to show up in your email inbox.

6

Save a Copy

Keep a digital copy on your phone or print it out so you have it ready at the airport.

Required Documents for Application

To complete your GCC tourist visa application, you’ll need to have a few important documents ready. The final list might change depending on your nationality and travel plans, but here’s what you will likely need for a unified GCC tourist visa:

Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date.

Completed Application Form

Fill out the online application form and make sure all details are correct.

Recent Photo

A new passport-size photo is needed to attach to your application.

Proof of Accommodation

This could be hotel bookings or an invitation letter from family or friends.

Travel Insurance

You’ll need insurance that covers any medical needs while you’re traveling.

Proof of Funds

Provide bank statements or similar documents that show you can pay for your trip.

Return or Onward Ticket

Have a copy of your ticket that shows when you’ll be leaving the region.

Following these steps will help make your GCC unified visa application smooth and stress-free.

Application Fees

  • The visa fee is expected to be somewhere between $90 and $130.

While this is not confirmed and could change, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on GCC visa news for the final details.

Timeline for Processing the GCC Grand Tours Visa

Processing Time
  • It will likely take from 3 days to a week to process once you apply.

The processing time for the GCC Grand Tours visa has not been fully set yet because the visa is still in its final planning stages.

Notification and Visa Issuance

The process is expected to be simple: you fill out an online form, upload your documents, and pay the fee online.

After your application is approved, your unified GCC tourist visa will be sent to you by email.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

Applying for the unified tourist visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you get it right the first time:

  • Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel dates.
  • Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
  • Make sure your travel plans match what you write in your application.
  • Keep copies of hotel bookings and return flight tickets.
  • Have proof of enough money to cover your stay.
  • To avoid delay or rejection, watch out for mistakes like spelling errors or incomplete information..
  • Apply early to avoid any last-minute stress.
  • Follow any special rules for your nationality.
  • Save a copy of your submitted application and payment receipt.
  • Check your email often for any updates or extra requests from the visa office.
  • Since the GCC unified visa is new, details can change. Keep an eye on our website for the latest GCC unified visa news.

What Happens After Approval?

After your application is checked and approved, you’ll get your approved unified GCC tourist visa sent straight to your email. It will come as a digital file, so make sure to print a copy and keep it with you while you travel in the GCC countries.

The exact number of days you can stay with this visa isn’t final yet, but it should give you enough time to visit one or more places in the region.

Right now, the unified GCC tourist visa is expected to be valid for around 30 to 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No. You must apply for the unified GCC visa online. 

Although not confirmed officially, the unified GCC visa is expected to support multiple entries.

No, but your policy must cover medical emergencies in all six GCC countries during your trip

Yes, if you only want to visit the UAE, you can choose that option when you apply for the unified GCC visa online.

It’s not confirmed yet if you can extend your GCC Unified Visa. Keep an eye on updates, as more details about extensions will be announced later on.

Yes. It’s a Schengen-style system that lets you travel freely across all six GCC member countries with one unified tourist visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Apply for the GCC Unified Visa

Your Next Step to Explore the Gulf

Why deal with the hassle and cost of applying for six different visas when you can visit the entire region with just one? The unified tourist visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council lets you save money and skip the headache of separate applications.

Once the applications are open, you can apply for the GCC Unified Visa online through GCC Grand Tours Visa Portal.

Apply Now