UAE: Long-awaited unified GCC tourism visa coming soon, confirms GCC Secretary General

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will soon launch a unified tourism visa that allows travelers to visit all six member states with a single application. The announcement was made on Wednesday by GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi, who praised the joint efforts of Gulf countries to improve regional mobility and grow the tourism sector.

Speaking during an official announcement, Jassem Al Budaiwi stated:
“The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation.”

He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the long-term strategic goals of the Gulf’s leadership to modernise regional travel infrastructure and expand non-oil sectors through increased tourism. The visa, officially titled the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is modeled after Europe’s Schengen visa and aims to enable seamless travel across:

• United Arab Emirates
  
  
• Saudi Arabia
  
  
• Qatar
  
  
• Bahrain
  
  
• Kuwait
  
  
• Oman
  
  

The unified visa will allow tourists to travel freely across these six nations without the need for separate visa applications, making the region significantly more accessible to international visitors.
Al Budaiwi highlighted that the new visa system is being developed with a strong focus on technology and security, stressing that member states are “keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands.”

The visa was formally approved in November 2023 during the 40th GCC Interior Ministers’ Meeting, which was held in Oman. The approval followed months of intergovernmental coordination and consultation among tourism, immigration, and security departments of all six states.

According to Al Budaiwi, the move is not just a tourism initiative but part of a broader regional transformation aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues and positioning the GCC as a global tourism and investment hub.

Features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa
While final implementation details are still being finalized, available information outlines the following expected features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa:

Key Features

• Single visa for six countries
  
  
• Online-only application process
  
  
• Valid for tourism and family visits
  
  
• Likely validity: 30 to 90 days
  
  
• Options to select single-country or unified access
  
  
• Lower cumulative cost compared to applying for six separate visas
  
  

This structure is designed to significantly reduce travel barriers while enhancing visitor experience across the region.

Application Process and Required Documents
Though the system is not yet live, officials have shared a tentative list of documents and steps expected to be part of the application process.

Likely Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
  
  
• Completed online application form
  
  
• Recent passport-size photo
  
  
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  
  
• Travel insurance (including medical coverage)
  
  
• Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements)
  
  
• Return or onward travel ticket
  
  

Expected Application Process

Visit the official GCC visa website (to be announced)

Select visa type: one-country or unified six-country visa

Fill in travel details and upload supporting documents

Pay the visa fee online securely online

Receive e-visa via email

Print or store the e-visa digitally for travel

The unified visa is expected to boost regional tourism, attract international visitors, and support sectors like aviation, hospitality, and travel services. By simplifying access, it encourages longer stays and multi-country trips across the Gulf. The move also aligns with Gulf nations’ broader push to become leading global tourism destination