GCC Unified Tourist Visa 2025: Seamless Travel Across Gulf Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to revolutionize tourism in the Middle East with the launch of a Unified Tourist Visa, officially branded as “GCC Grand Tours.” The trial phase is expected to begin in late 2025, with a full rollout to follow soon after. Much like Europe’s Schengen Visa, this initiative will allow travelers to explore multiple GCC countries with just one visa.

What is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?

The new visa will enable tourists and residents to travel freely across all six GCC member states:

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Qatar

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Oman

This single-entry system eliminates the need for separate visas for each country, making Gulf tourism more accessible, cost-effective, and time-saving.

Key Benefits of the GCC Grand Tours Visa

1. Simplified Travel – Tourists can visit multiple Gulf countries on one visa.

2. Cost Savings – Reduced visa fees compared to applying separately.

3. Flexible Options – Visa validity expected to range between 30 to 90 days, with options for single-country or six-country access.

4. Boost for Residents – Millions of foreign residents living in the GCC will enjoy smoother regional mobility, with documents like the Emirates ID playing a central role.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The GCC Grand Tours Visa is designed to enhance both tourism and economic cooperation across the Gulf. It will:

• Attract international travelers to explore multiple Gulf destinations in one trip.

• Strengthen the region’s appeal as a global tourism hub.

• Support ongoing mega-projects like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives (Neom, Red Sea resorts, AlUla) and the UAE’s Etihad Rail project set to launch in 2026.

• Encourage cultural exchange, investment, and cross-border business opportunities.

Why This Matters for International Travelers

The unified visa will make it easier than ever to combine a trip to Dubai’s luxury attractions, Qatar’s cultural landmarks, and Saudi Arabia’s historic and futuristic projects in a single journey. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing accessibility, the GCC aims to become a premier multi-destination hotspot for global tourists.

Final Approval and Next Steps

According to GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi, the final approval process is underway, and digital visa applications will open soon. Once fully launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will mark a historic step toward regional integration, making the Gulf one of the world’s most attractive travel destinations.