The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will roll out the pilot phase of its long-awaited unified tourist visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tourist Visa — in the fourth quarter of 2025. Modeled after Europe’s Schengen visa, the new system will allow foreign visitors to travel freely across all six GCC member states — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — using a single permit. The announcement was made by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, according to the Khaleej Times. Al Marri described the initiative as a “strategic step towards deeper regional integration” and a move that will strengthen the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single, world-class tourism destination.

What Is the GCC Grand Tourist Visa?

The GCC Grand Tourist Visa aims to simplify regional travel and promote the Gulf as one connected destination. Instead of applying for multiple entry permits, eligible visitors will be able to explore Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait under one visa.

Key Benefits of the Unified Visa

- Simplified travel process – Foreign visitors will need only one visa instead of six separate applications. - Boost to religious and leisure tourism – Expected to support religious visits and increased leisure trips across the GCC. - Support for business travel – Entrepreneurs and investors can move more easily between Gulf countries for meetings and projects. - Economic growth – Greater tourism flow means higher spending on hotels, retail, dining, and transport, boosting regional GDP.

What Travelers Need to Know