What the Middle East's Schengen-style GCC Unified Visa means for travellers

Time of India

a day ago

The Gulf countries will soon launch a unified tourist visa. This visa allows travellers to visit six Gulf nations. These nations are Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The visa aims to boost tourism and ease travel. It is similar to Europe's Schengen visa. The new visa will help travellers explore the Gulf region easily.
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Multi-country access: The visa will allow entry into all six GCC member nations with a single permit.
Purpose: The visa will be issued for tourism and family visits only.
Application: Travellers must apply online through an official portal.
Validity: The visa will be valid for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Flexibility: Applicants can opt for single-country or multiple-country access.
Affordability: Authorities have said the visa will be priced reasonably.
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A valid passport
A recent passport-sized photo
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter)
Travel insurance valid across the GCC
Recent bank statement as proof of financial means
Round-trip flight ticket
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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to roll out a new unified tourist visa that will allow travellers to explore six Gulf countries on a single entry permit. Dubbed the " GCC Grand Tours Visa ," this new travel document is expected to launch soon and has been compared to Europe's Schengen visa system.The unified visa will allow visitors to travel freely across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. It aims to streamline regional travel, remove administrative hurdles, and attract more international tourists to the Gulf.As per initial details shared by Gulf News and GCC authorities, applicants will need the following documents:Once launched, the unified visa will simplify the process of visiting multiple countries in the Gulf without the need to apply separately for each destination. Travellers can move more easily across borders, whether by air or road, with fewer delays or administrative barriers.The visa will also introduce modern technology to meet global security standards. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi said in an official statement, 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation.' He added that the initiative will bring both tourism and economic benefits to the region.Speaking at a press event, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed that the visa has received final approval and is now in the implementation phase. 'The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon,' he said.The unified visa is part of broader efforts by Gulf nations to accelerate tourism growth and economic diversification. In 2023, the GCC region welcomed 68.1 million visitors, generating over $110 billion in tourism revenue. This marked a 42.8% increase in tourist arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels.The move is expected to boost 'bleisure' travel — a blend of business and leisure — by making it easier for business travellers to extend their stays and explore neighbouring countries.It will also support job creation and investment in hospitality, transport, and infrastructure. In the UAE alone, the travel and tourism sector supported 833,000 jobs in 2024 and is projected to employ 1 million people by 2030, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Dubai , which recorded over 7.1 million visitors between January and April 2025, continues to lead regional tourism efforts. The unified visa is expected to complement Dubai's strong travel numbers by allowing visitors to extend their Gulf itineraries to include other destinations, such as Muscat, Doha, or Riyadh.With its Schengen-style structure, the upcoming GCC visa signals a major step toward regional integration in travel. While the official rollout date has not been announced, preparations are well underway, and the visa is expected to be launched soon.