Say goodbye to separate applications — UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain soon with Schengen-style access
Ever dreamed of cruising across the Gulf—from Muscat’s bustling souks to Riyadh’s soaring skyscrapers, Bahrain’s sandy beaches to Dubai’s iconic skyline? The new GCC Grand Tours Visa could make that epic road trip a reality. Get ready to explore the Gulf like never before!
Greenlit by GCC tourism ministers in late 2023, the unified GCC Grand Tours Visa is currently in research and testing, with an official launch expected later this year, says GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi. Soon, tourists and long-term GCC residents won’t have to juggle separate permits for six countries. Instead, they’ll apply just once for a multi-entry visa that’s valid for at least 30 days, with options to extend based on each country’s rules.
Why this matters — for tourists and tourism
Right now, GCC nationals can travel visa-free between member countries — but residents, including expats and non-nationals, still need to manage multiple eVisas or on-arrival permits.
The upcoming unified visa changes that, offering simplified, consistent entry rules across the region. No more last-minute surprises or application overload at the border.
Tour operators are already curating multi-country holiday packages, while property platforms are gearing up for a surge in short-term rental bookings — especially in Dubai — as travellers embrace longer, more flexible trips across the region. Much like Schengen transformed European travel, the GCC’s unified visa is set to supercharge tourism, distribute visitor spending more evenly, and unlock the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel — where business trips naturally evolve into regional getaways.
What’s next for travellers?
While final details are still pending, regional updates give us a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming GCC unified visa:
- One online application covering all six GCC countries
- Likely requirements: a passport valid for at least six months, travel insurance, proof of accommodation or residency, and return or onward tickets
- Multi-entry access with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, modeled on the Schengen-style approach
Some security reviews are still underway — with Oman reportedly raising a few concerns — but GCC tourism ministers reconvened in June 2025 and reaffirmed their goal to launch the visa by year’s end.
What this means for you
For travel pros, city lovers, and casual explorers alike, the ability to pack once and roam across six GCC nations is a total game-changer. Think: a weekend escape to Oman, a culture-packed stop in Bahrain, family time in Kuwait, a staycation in Abu Dhabi, and a festival night in Doha — all in one seamless trip.
This isn’t just about convenience — it’s an open invitation to rediscover the Gulf.
Once the visa launches, full details on eligibility, pricing, and how to apply will follow.
Until then, keep your passport handy — it’s about to get a serious upgrade.
