GCC to Launch Long-Awaited Unified Tourist Visa Next Year

Darwin,  09 November: After years of planning, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce its much-anticipated single tourist visa, officially named the “GCC Grand Tours Visa.” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, confirmed that the new visa will be launched next year, marking a major milestone in regional travel integration.

Speaking at the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum in Manama, Bahrain, Al-Khateeb said the project is the result of four years of coordinated efforts among Gulf nations. He described it as “one of the most significant steps toward unifying the tourism and travel sectors across GCC countries.”

According to a report by Gulf News, Al-Khateeb noted that the GCC is undergoing a historic expansion in tourism, made possible by the region’s rich culture, modern infrastructure, and safe environment. He added that tourism has become a key pillar of the Gulf economy, alongside oil and trade.

Six Countries Under One Visa

The GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow travelers to visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman with a single application. The project was approved during a GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Oman in November 2023. Modeled after the European Union’s Schengen visa, the unified visa aims to make multi-country travel in the Gulf simpler and more affordable.

Officials say the initiative is part of the region’s broader economic diversification strategy, designed to attract international tourists seeking to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of repeated paperwork, separate fees, or varying entry rules.

Initially, the visa will apply to tourism and family visits only, with an online application process. Travelers can choose to visit one or all six member states, with a validity ranging from one to three months. The cost is expected to be lower than applying for individual visas.

To apply, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months, proof of accommodation, a passport-size photo, travel insurance, financial evidence, and a return or onward ticket. Applicants will be able to upload documents, pay fees, and receive their digital visas via a government online portal.

Al-Khateeb also emphasized the growing importance of air connectivity in the Gulf. Last year, the region’s four major airlines carried around 150 million passengers, with 70 million traveling within GCC countries, demonstrating strong potential for intra-regional tourism.

GCC officials expect that the unified visa will encourage longer stays, promote multi-city travel, and distribute tourism spending across member states. More detailed information about the visa process will be released in the coming months, with the official launch and opening of the application portal scheduled for next year.