Seamless travel across the Gulf is about to become a reality.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the stunning cities of Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Muscat all in one trip—without applying for multiple visas—your wish is about to come true.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is putting the final touches on a game-changing unified tourist visa that will allow travellers to explore six Gulf nations—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman—under one permit, much like Europe’s Schengen visa.
What Is the Unified GCC Tourist Visa?
Announced by GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al Budaiwi, the new visa scheme is designed to enhance tourism, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity among the Gulf states. It’s not just a convenience for travelers—it’s a strategic move to bolster regional economies and promote the GCC as a unified tourism destination.
The plan was formally approved in November 2023 during a high-level meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman. Officials have confirmed that the system is now in its final stages of development, with a launch expected very soon.
Key Features of the New GCC Visa:
- One visa, six countries: Travel freely between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
- Single-entry or multi-country access: You can choose to visit just one country or tour across all six.
- Validity: Expected to range from 30 to 90 days depending on your plans.
- Purpose: Strictly for tourism or visiting family—not valid for work or residency.
- Fully online process: No embassy visits. The application will be submitted via a dedicated online portal, which is currently under development.
- Fast and affordable: Authorities aim to make this visa cheaper and quicker than applying for individual country visas.
Documents You’ll Need to Apply
To apply for the GCC unified visa, you’ll typically need:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a host)
- Travel insurance covering all GCC countries
- Proof of sufficient funds (such as a bank statement)
- A return or onward flight ticket
Once approved, your visa will be emailed to you. You can print it out or show it digitally upon arrival.
Tip: Double-check that your passport is not close to expiry, and confirm your insurance is valid for all six member states.
Security and Technology Integration
The GCC Secretary-General emphasized that the visa system will comply with international security standards and use advanced digital tools to process applications safely and efficiently.
For reference and updates, you can visit the official websites of each country’s visa authority:
- UAE Visa Information
- Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
- Qatar Ministry of Interior Visa Services
- Bahrain eVisa
- Kuwait eVisa
- Oman eVisa
Why This Is a Big Deal
This visa is more than just paperwork—it’s a major step toward regional integration. For travelers, it means the freedom to hop from Dubai’s skyscrapers to Muscat’s beaches or Riyadh’s cultural landmarks—all on one trip. For Gulf nations, it means more tourism revenue, smoother collaboration, and a stronger collective identity.
It’s also great news for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and families spread across the Gulf. The convenience and cost savings are expected to encourage longer stays and more exploration in the region.
When Will the Visa Be Available?
While there’s no official launch date yet, authorities say the system is almost ready to go live. Once the online portal launches, detailed instructions on fees and processing times will be published.
If you’re planning a trip to the Gulf soon, keep checking the GCC Official Website and your destination country’s visa portal for the latest updates.
Pro Tip: Bookmark these official resources so you’ll be among the first to know when applications open!
