GCC Approves One Visa for Six Gulf Nations, Coming Soon

In a landmark move aimed at transforming regional tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved the rollout of a unified tourist visa, allowing travelers to visit all six member states—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—under a single permit.

The announcement was made by UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, during the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp. He confirmed that implementation procedures are now underway, with final coordination and approval pending from each nation’s Ministry of Interior.

A “Schengen-Style” Visa for the Gulf

Modeled on the European Schengen visa system, the GCC Grand Tours Visa aims to streamline travel across the Gulf, enabling tourists to explore multiple destinations with one application. Once implemented, it is expected to allow stays ranging between 30 to 90 days, depending on traveler eligibility and itinerary.

The visa will be processed online as an e-visa, with options to select either single-country or multi-country access. Travelers must provide a valid passport, travel insurance, accommodation details, proof of funds, and a return itinerary as part of the application process.

Key Objectives and Expected Impact

The initiative seeks to:

• Simplify travel logistics for global visitors.
• Boost tourism revenue by encouraging extended and multi-destination stays.
• Promote regional economic integration and job creation.
• Capitalize on “bleisure” travel—a growing trend combining business and leisure tourism.

The visa is designed for tourism and family visits only and will be open to nationals eligible for e-visas or visas on arrival in the GCC, including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

Regional Tourism on the Rise

The approval comes as the Gulf region continues to experience rapid growth in tourism. In 2023 alone, GCC countries welcomed 68.1 million visitors, generating over $110 billion in tourism-related revenue—a 42.8% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. The UAE, in particular, is targeting 1 million tourism jobs by 2030, underlining the strategic importance of the sector.