The long-awaited unified GCC tourist visa, officially referred to as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is now approaching reality, with a pilot phase expected to begin by the final quarter of 2025. The plan, often compared to Europe’s Schengen visa system, will allow travellers to explore all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states using a single visa.
According to UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, who also chairs the Emirates Tourism Council, the rollout marks a strategic milestone in regional integration.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he stated that the initiative is designed to enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a unified tourism destination.
Final Approval Stage and Digital Platform
Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, confirmed that the visa framework has reached its final approval and technical phases. The visa application processing will take place through a dedicated digital platform, streamlining access and planning for travellers eager to experience multiple Gulf destinations in one itinerary.
The digital platform forms the backbone of this system, promising smoother processing, stronger data coordination between member states, and fewer administrative barriers for tourists.
What the Unified Visa Offers
The GCC Grand Tour Visa will allow tourists to travel seamlessly between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain under a single permit. Originally approved by GCC ministers in 2023, the system is now in the advanced stages of digital and logistics integration.
Tourism officials describe it as a key step in positioning the GCC as a globally competitive destination. “This visa will enhance cross-border tourism, stimulate economic development, and boost the region’s reputation as one connected market,” Al Marri said.
The rollout will occur in stages, starting with a pilot phase at the end of 2025 before expanding across all member states.
Regional Tourism Network Strengthens
The Gulf region already represents a major source of intra-regional travel. In 2024, the UAE recorded 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries, accounting for 11 per cent of total hotel guests. The breakdown included:
- Saudi Arabia: 1.9 million (58%)
- Oman: 777,000 (24%)
- Kuwait: 381,000 (12%)
- Bahrain: 123,000 (4%)
- Qatar: 93,000 (3%)
These figures underline the Gulf’s interconnected tourism landscape, which the unified visa is set to further expand by reducing travel friction and encouraging longer, multi-country stays.
Looking Ahead
With the pilot launch of the unified GCC tourist visa on the horizon, the Gulf stands ready for a new era of regional travel. For the first time, visitors will be able to explore the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the beaches of Oman, the city skylines of Dubai and Doha, and the heritage of Kuwait and Bahrain with a single travel document.
If the rollout proceeds as planned, the GCC Grand Tours Visa could redefine how the region presents itself to the world, transforming six borders into one shared gateway for global travellers.
(Source and Inputs from Gulf News)
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