GCC Unified Tourist Visa to 6 GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman

GCC Unified Tourist Visa — the Gulf’s answer to the Schengen visa — is set to revolutionize travel across the Middle East by offering seamless access to six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

What Is It?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, allows travelers to visit multiple GCC countries with a single visa — simplifying travel logistics and reducing costs. It was approved in November 2023 and is expected to launch before the end of 2025.

Who Can Apply?
- Residents of any GCC country with a valid residency permit
- Must have a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Should not be on any watchlist or entry ban in member states

Fees & Validity (Tentative)
- Estimated cost: $90–130
- Validity: 30 to 90 days
- Processing time: 3 days to 1 week
- Options may include single-country or multi-country access
- Applications will be handled via a digital platform

Why It Matters
- Inspired by the European Schengen visa, it promotes regional tourism and economic diversification
- Supports the GCC’s push to reduce dependence on oil and gas
- Enhances the power of national IDs like the Emirates ID for travel mobility

Tourism Boom in the Gulf
- UAE welcomed over 18.7 million international visitors in 2024
- Saudi Arabia saw a record 116 million visitors the same year
- The visa aims to further boost these numbers by making cross-border travel easier

This visa could be a game-changer for travelers, digital nomads, and businesses alike.