One Visa to Travel 6 Gulf Nations Set for Launch Soon
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to roll out a unified “GCC Grand Tours” tourist visa, enabling single-entry visits to six Gulf states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—for tourism and family stays. The initiative, originally approved in 2023, promises visas valid for 30 to 90 days and will be fully accessible online upon launch .
Objectives and Significance
The move echoes Europe’s Schengen model, aimed at strengthening regional integration and cooperation. GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al Budaiwi praised the plan as aligning with the council’s broader vision and noted how the visa’s streamlined design, including online application and strategic tech-based security, reflects enhanced regional collaboration.
Visa Details & Eligibility
- Purpose: Only for tourism and family visits
- Validity: 30–90 days, single entry for the entire GCC
- Application Requirements:
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Hotel bookings or invitations
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
What’s Next?
While no launch date has been provided yet, GCC officials emphasize that the visa will be ready for online issuance, promising to greatly simplify travel logistics. The visa’s implementation hinges on coordinated efforts among member states to integrate security checks and maintain technological standards.
Bottom Line: The upcoming GCC Grand Tours visa represents a notable shift toward consolidating travel across the Gulf. By allowing seamless access to six countries with a single, tech-enabled pass, it is set to boost tourism, foster cultural connections, and streamline family visits across the region.
