Gulf Travel Visa: New Schengen-Style Permit Coming Soon

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing regional tourism and simplifying travel, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved a unified tourist visa, modeled after Europe’s Schengen visa. The new system, called the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026 and will allow travelers to visit all six member states—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—with a single visa.

This historic agreement is poised to transform travel across the Gulf region, removing the need for multiple national visas and enabling multi-country itineraries for international tourists.

Key Features of the GCC Unified Tourist Visa:

• Single Visa Access: One visa grants entry to all six GCC countries, promoting greater cross-border mobility.
• Flexible Validity: The visa is expected to offer short-term stays ranging from 30 to 90 days.
• Digital Application: Travelers will apply online through a centralized platform, making the process faster and more accessible.
• Tourism-Focused: The visa will be valid strictly for tourism, family visits, and leisure travel—not for employment or long-term residency.
• Affordable Option: Though pricing details are yet to be finalized, officials confirm the unified visa will be more cost-effective than applying for separate country visas.

Boost to Regional Tourism

The unified visa is part of a broader strategy to position the Gulf as a world-class tourism hub. GCC nations aim to attract millions of additional visitors annually, particularly from Europe, Asia, and North America. With this new system, travelers will be able to explore iconic destinations such as Dubai, Riyadh, Muscat, and Doha within a single trip.

Officials believe this move will also encourage longer stays and increased tourist spending, benefiting the hospitality, aviation, and retail sectors across the region.

Implementation Timeline

Following formal approval in June 2025, the GCC is currently finalizing the technical framework and digital infrastructure to support the visa’s rollout. The launch is anticipated by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

What Travelers Should Expect

Visitors planning to explore the Gulf are advised to monitor official GCC tourism portals for updates on application requirements and launch dates. The standard visa process is expected to include passport validation, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial documentation.

Conclusion

The GCC Grand Tours Visa marks a transformative step in Middle Eastern travel policy. By creating a more unified, traveler-friendly system, the Gulf countries are set to unlock new tourism potential and strengthen their collective appeal on the global stage.