In a move that’s sending waves of excitement across the globe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved a unified Schengen-style visa, allowing travelers to explore six Arab nations under one single permit. Yes, you read that right — no more hopping between embassies, no more visa hurdles. This is the future of pan-Gulf tourism.
What Is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
Dubbed the “GCC Grand Tours Visa”, this upcoming visa program mirrors Europe’s beloved Schengen Visa. It will allow tourists to enter one GCC country and travel freely across the other five, simplifying tourism, boosting economic ties, and turning the Gulf into one giant open-roaming destination.
The Six (06) Nations Taking Part
This game-changing visa will cover the entire GCC bloc:
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Oman
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
With just one visa, you’ll soon be able to go from the skyscrapers of Dubai to the souqs of Doha, or from the serene beaches of Oman to the futuristic Neom of Saudi Arabia — without a single extra document.
When Is It Launching?
Here’s what we know so far:
- The unified visa system was officially approved in November 2023 during the GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Oman.
- According to GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi, the rollout is in its final technical stages and expected to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026.
- The visa integration will include tech, security, and tourism infrastructure coordination among all six (06) nations.
Why This Is a Game Changer?
For global travelers, digital nomads, and tourism operators, this is massive:
- One visa, six countries
- Boosted travel freedom in the Gulf
- Perfect for cultural tours, business meetings, and desert adventures
- Saves time, money, and paperwork.
According to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, this visa will not only enhance visitor experience but also position the GCC as a premier global tourism hub.
Official Confirmation
This isn’t just speculation and the news is backed by:
- Statements from GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi
- Official confirmation from the UAE Ministry of Economy
- Press releases via the Saudi Press Agency and Khaleej Times
- Coverage by Euronews, Economic Times, and Times of India