Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch its long-awaited unified tourist visa, a project that is being compared to the famous Schengen visa in Europe. According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, the pilot phase of this initiative will begin in the last quarter of 2025.
This single visa will allow visitors to travel freely across all six member states:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Kuwait
What is the GCC Tourist Visa?
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa is a unified travel permit that gives tourists the ability to explore the entire Gulf region without applying for separate visas in each country. Just like travelers use one Schengen visa to visit multiple European countries, tourists will soon be able to use one GCC visa for the Gulf states.
This step is being called a strategic milestone that strengthens regional unity and promotes the GCC as a single tourism hub.
When Will the Visa Be Launched?
The visa will roll out in phases, starting with a pilot project. Full implementation is expected after the trial is completed.
Although an exact date has not been officially confirmed, the visa system has already been approved and is now awaiting final clearance from the Ministry of Interior and other related authorities.
Cost and Duration – What We Know So Far
At this stage, the cost and validity period of the GCC tourist visa have not been revealed. Officials say details will be announced soon.
Travel experts expect the visa to be affordable and designed to encourage longer stays. Once announced, it is likely to include options for short visits, business trips, and extended tourism stays.
Why is the GCC Tourist Visa Important?
The GCC is one of the fastest-growing regions in global tourism. By introducing a unified visa, the region is expected to benefit in multiple ways:
- Boosting Tourism Revenues – The visa will attract millions of extra visitors, directly supporting hotels, airlines, restaurants, and local businesses.
- Creating Jobs – New opportunities in hospitality, travel services, and transport will open up across all six countries.
- Encouraging Religious Tourism – Saudi Arabia already hosts millions of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. With this visa, more pilgrims may extend their stay to visit nearby Gulf states.
- Supporting “Bleisure” Travel – More professionals now combine business with leisure. The GCC visa makes it easier for business travelers to explore the region after meetings and conferences.
Which Countries Will Benefit the Most?
Tourism analysts believe that all six GCC states will see growth, but UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to attract the largest share of tourists.
For example, in 2024 the UAE welcomed 3.3 million GCC tourists, which made up 11% of total hotel guests. Among these:
- 1.9 million were from Saudi Arabia
- 777,000 from Oman
- 381,000 from Kuwait
- 123,000 from Bahrain
- 93,000 from Qatar
These numbers highlight the strong inter-GCC travel demand that will only grow further once the visa is implemented.
Impact on UAE’s Tourism and Economy
The UAE has been at the center of the GCC’s tourism growth. By September 2025, the UAE had issued 39,546 commercial licenses in tourism, hospitality, aviation, and digital travel services.
This figure represents a 275% increase compared to the same period in 2020. Such rapid growth shows the UAE’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s top destinations.
With the unified visa, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are likely to see even more transit and extended-stay travelers, strengthening their global tourism appeal.
What Travelers Can Expect
Tourists holding the GCC Grand Tourist Visa will enjoy:
- Seamless Travel – Move between six countries without applying for multiple visas.
- Simplified Processes – One online application instead of different country portals.
- Cultural Diversity – Experience modern skyscrapers in Dubai, historical forts in Oman, deserts in Saudi Arabia, and vibrant culture in Qatar.
- Business Opportunities – Attend regional trade fairs and exhibitions without visa barriers.
Key Questions Answered
1. When will the GCC Tourist Visa start?
The pilot phase is expected in late 2025. Full roll-out will follow after successful testing.
2. How much will the visa cost?
The official cost has not been announced yet. Details will be shared after approval from authorities.
3. Will the visa cover business travel?
Yes, industry experts say it will support both leisure and bleisure travel (business + leisure).
4. Which countries are included?
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
5. Will it affect jobs and the economy?
Yes, experts believe it will create thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the region’s GDP.
Conclusion
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is one of the most exciting developments for travel in the Middle East. By making it easier for tourists to explore the Gulf as one destination, it is expected to reshape the future of tourism in the region.
From boosting the economy to encouraging cultural exchange, the visa is more than just a travel document — it is a step towards greater regional integration.
While final details like cost and duration are still awaited, one thing is clear: the Gulf is opening its doors wider than ever before. For travelers, this means simpler journeys, richer experiences, and the chance to explore six diverse countries with one single visa.
