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Introduction
The GCC Unified Visa is an upcoming visa that will allow tourists to apply for one single visa and gain access to all countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). With the goal of boosting tourism and making regional travel more simplified, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is introducing the Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours”. This will enable travelers to explore multiple Gulf countries with one permit. The new unified GCC Visa is marking a milestone for the region, making travel between the countries more accessible and efficient, and will attract tourists from all around the world. It has been introduced, but it has not been officially launched yet. It is expected to be officially launched by the end of 2025.
This visa is similar to the Schengen Visa in Europe, which allows travelers to visit multiple countries with one permit, making it time and cost-effective and more time-efficient since the process is entirely online. Before taking advantage of the opportunity, it’s important for travelers to understand the requirements and eligibility for the visa. It is essential to meet all GCC Visa requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
Eligibility Requirements
The Unified GCC Tourist Visa has not yet been launched, but there will be eligibility criteria that must be met, which will likely be as follows
Citizenship Requirements
The Unified Visa for GCC countries is expected to be available to citizens of countries that are eligible for a visa on arrival and for an e-visa for the Gulf countries (except for the nationals of the GCC countries, as they can already travel across the GCC without needing a visa). Some eligible nationalities include passport holders from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Age Restrictions
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. If an applicant is younger than 18, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Purpose of Visit
This visa allows for tourism, short-term business visits, attending events such as festivals or conferences, and visiting friends and family. With this visa, you are not permitted to hold employment, gain residency, or study long-term.
Required Documentation
While the GCC Unified Visa is a simple and straightforward process, there are still required documents you will need to submit when applying. It is essential to have your documents in order to avoid any unnecessary delays in the processing time.
Since the GCC visa has not been launched yet, we will discuss the expected requirements until official information is released.
Basic Documents Needed
Special Requirements (if applicable)
Depending on your nationality or purpose of visit, you may be required to submit additional documentation.
- Proof of GCC Residency: If you are a resident of a GCC country, you may be required to provide a copy of your residence visa.
Application Process Overview
Applying for the Unified GCC Visa is a quick and simple process. Make sure to fill everything out completely and accurately to avoid any unforeseen circumstances causing delays in the application process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Application Process Overview
Applying for the Unified GCC Visa is a quick and simple process. Make sure to fill everything out completely and accurately to avoid any unforeseen circumstances causing delays in the application process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
1
Complete the Online Application Form
You can find the online application form. Make sure you fill this out completely and accurately. Missing or incorrect information can cause delays or rejection.
2
Submit Required Documents
After you fill out the online application form, you can submit the required documents. These include a copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, and your travel itinerary.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Once you complete your application, you will be prompted to pay the visa application fee. You can do this online with a valid credit or debit card.
4
Wait for Processing and Approval
Once your visa has been processed, you will receive updates via email. Once approved, you can travel to the GCC. It is essential to continue to abide by the laws and regulations once you enter.
Estimated Timeline
The processing time typically ranges from 3 days to a week. It is advised to apply well in advance in case of any unforeseen delays during the application process.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The Unified GCC Visa is expected to have a validity period of between 30 and 90 days. After entering the GCC countries, it is expected that the visa will allow for stays of between 30 and 90 days within these countries.
It is expected that there will be an option for both a single-country visa (to choose one country to visit out of the 6 GCC countries) and a multiple-country visa (to visit multiple or all GCC countries). It is expected to be officially launched by the end of 2025 and to be a multiple-entry visa.
We will be updating you with all of the latest updates, exact details, and GCC visa news regarding validity.
Visa Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of the Unified GCC Visa has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be between 90 to 130 USD. It is expected to differ based on whether you are applying for a single-country visa or a multiple-country visa. Payment can be made online with a valid debit or credit card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the Unified GCC Visa is overall a simple process, but it is still possible to make mistakes in the process. Common mistakes can delay your application or even lead to rejection.
- Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
- Applying Without Meeting the Eligibility Criteria
- Applying Too Late
Not submitting all the required information or submitting the wrong documents is one of the most common errors when it comes to applications being delayed or denied. It is essential to double-check the GCC Unified Visa required documents list before you submit your application to make sure everything is filled out completely and accurately.
You should make sure to confirm that you meet the GCC Unified Visa requirements before you start the application process. This is especially important for those with complications due to nationality or residence status. You should review the eligibility criteria carefully and make sure you are able to apply for this visa.
You should not wait until the last minute to apply. Check the processing time in advance and make sure to apply early. Most visas are processed within a few working days, but that is not guaranteed. You don’t want your lack of planning to apply early to disrupt your trip to the GCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gulf countries list includes all 6 GCC members: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. This means that travelers can visit all of these countries under a single visa as long as they apply for the multiple-country option.
Yes, when you apply for the GCC Unified Visa, it will be an online process. It is expected to become available at the end of 2025. Make sure to stay updated by regularly checking the GCC Unified Visa latest news to stay up to date on when you can start the application process and visit the Gulf countries.
The unified Visa will make traveling from country to country more simplified and get rid of the need to apply for multiple visas for your trip. It saves money and is more convenient, making it ideal if you want to visit multiple Gulf countries.
No, you will be required to apply in advance for this visa. Eligible travelers can apply for the Unified GCC Visa online.
If your visa is rejected, you will be notified along with the reason for the rejection. Once you address the issue, you can fix it and reapply. It is essential to double-check the GCC Visa requirements before you submit your application to avoid a delay in processing or even rejection.