GCC to Launch Single Tourist Visa in Q4 2025 for All Gulf Countries
GCC will launch a unified tourist visa in Q4 2025, allowing travelers to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait with one permit.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will roll out the pilot phase of its long-awaited unified tourist visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tourist Visa — in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Modeled after Europe’s Schengen visa, the new system will allow foreign visitors to travel freely across all six GCC member states — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — using a single permit.
The announcement was made by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, according to the Khaleej Times.
Al Marri described the initiative as a “strategic step towards deeper regional integration” and a move that will strengthen the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single, world-class tourism destination.
What Is the GCC Grand Tourist Visa?
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa aims to simplify regional travel and promote the Gulf as one connected destination.
Instead of applying for multiple entry permits, eligible visitors will be able to explore Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait under one visa.
Key Benefits of the Unified Visa
- Simplified travel process – Foreign visitors will need only one visa instead of six separate applications.
- Boost to religious and leisure tourism – Expected to support religious visits and increased leisure trips across the GCC.
- Support for business travel – Entrepreneurs and investors can move more easily between Gulf countries for meetings and projects.
- Economic growth – Greater tourism flow means higher spending on hotels, retail, dining, and transport, boosting regional GDP.
What Travelers Need to Know
- The pilot phase begins in Q4 2025.
- Full implementation of the GCC Grand Tourist Visa will be announced after the trial period.
- Key details — such as application process, visa duration, eligibility, and cost — have not yet been disclosed.
- Travelers are advised to monitor official government portals and tourism authority websites for updates once the system goes live.
More in this guide
- Jawazat clarifies procedure to renew expired final exit visa — Avoid penalties and ensure valid Iqama status
- Jawazat: Final Exit Visa Requires 30-Day Iqama Validity — Learn the key rules for issuing the visa
- Saudi Arabia Executes 4 Expats in Murder and Drug Smuggling Cases — Saudi Arabia executed four expats in separate murder and drug smuggling cases in Makkah and Asir
- Al Rajhi Mobile Registration: Your Complete Guide — Learn how to activate the app
- How to Register for Al Rajhi Phone Banking for the First Time — How to register in Al Rajhi phone banking and what is the Al Rajhi phone banking number and what are the features of this service
- Saudi Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know — Plan your trip now!