The Gulf Cooperation Council has taken a major step toward regional integration with the approval of a single tourist visa for six countries. For the first time, travelers will be able to move between the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait using one digital permit.
This unified visa simplifies what has long been a fragmented system of national entry requirements. With the rollout expected soon, key details about eligibility, application procedures and the expected impact on travelers are starting to emerge.
What Is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is a regional travel document approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council that allows entry into Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with a single application. The initiative mirrors the structure of Europe’s Schengen visa, aiming to simplify cross-border mobility for visitors within the Gulf region.
The visa is designed for non-residents visiting for tourism or family-related reasons. It does not cover employment, study, or long-term stays. According to officials, travelers will be able to apply for a stay of 30, 60 or 90 days, with specific validity and entry terms to be defined by the final implementation framework.
Each GCC country will retain the authority to process applications and grant or deny entry based on its national security protocols. However, once issued, the visa will be valid across all participating countries. Travelers entering the region through any one of the six countries can continue to the others without additional visa applications.
This policy is expected to improve travel continuity and attract longer regional visits. It is also part of a broader economic agenda focused on tourism development, increased inter-Gulf cooperation and streamlined digital infrastructure across member states.
How the Visa Application Will Work
The unified tourist visa will be issued through a centralized online platform currently under development. Applicants will complete the process digitally, including form submission, document uploads, payment and visa delivery. Once approved, the visa will be sent via email and must be carried in either digital or printed form during travel.
To apply, travelers will need to provide a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-style photo, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, bank statements or other financial documentation, and a confirmed return or onward ticket. These requirements are intended to demonstrate the applicant’s travel purpose, ability to support themselves, and intent to depart within the visa’s validity.
Authorities have stated that if an application is denied, the applicant will receive a stated reason for rejection and may submit a new application. Processing timelines have not been finalized but are expected to be standardized across member states to avoid delays and inconsistencies.
Who Can Apply for the Visa
The GCC unified tourist visa will not be universally available to all travelers. Eligibility depends on nationality, travel purpose, and compliance with entry standards set by Gulf member states. While the visa is designed to broaden regional access, specific categories of travelers will benefit from it more directly than others.
Tourists from Visa-Required Countries
Foreign nationals who currently need individual visas to enter one or more GCC countries will be eligible to apply for the unified visa. This group includes travelers from countries in Africa, South Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe. These applicants will no longer need to submit separate applications for each destination on their itinerary, reducing both administrative burden and cost.
Family Visitors
Individuals planning to visit family members residing in any of the six GCC nations may use the unified visa for short stays. The visa is intended to simplify travel logistics for those with relatives spread across multiple Gulf states, although documentation proving the family relationship may be required.
Not Eligible: Workers, Students, Long-Term Residents
The unified visa will not replace labor, student, or residence permits. Those entering the region for employment, study, or relocation must continue to apply through each country’s existing immigration system. Entry under the unified visa is limited to tourism and family visitation only, with no authorization to work or extend the stay beyond the visa’s duration.
When and Where to Apply for the Visa
The GCC unified tourist visa is not yet available to the public, but preparations for its launch are underway. Regional officials have signaled that implementation is moving forward, with digital infrastructure and administrative procedures nearing completion.
Expected Launch Timeline
The visa was formally approved by the GCC Interior Ministers in November 2023. In June 2025, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed that technical and regulatory coordination is in progress. While no official start date has been announced, the visa is expected to become available in late 2025 or early 2026, pending final agreements among member states.
Digital Application Portal
All applications will be submitted through a centralized online platform. The official portal has not yet been named, but travelers will complete the entire process digitally uploading documents, submitting fees and receiving the approved visa via email. The system will be designed for accessibility across multiple devices and languages.
Impact on Travelers With Existing Visas
The unified GCC tourist visa will not cancel or override existing national visa systems. Travelers who already possess valid entry permits for individual Gulf countries can continue to use them. The new visa will simply provide an alternative for those seeking broader regional access.
- Existing visas remain valid and can be used according to each country’s current rules and expiration dates.
- The unified visa is optional, not mandatory. Travelers may choose the visa type that best matches their itinerary.
- Multi-country trips will benefit most from the new system, as it reduces the need to apply separately for each nation.
- Country-specific visa holders will still be limited to the issuing state unless they apply for additional permits.
- Travelers should verify entry rules for each destination if not using the unified visa, especially for land or air transit through other GCC states.
Conclusion
The unified GCC tourist visa marks a major shift in how travelers access the Gulf region. It introduces a single-entry point for tourism across six countries. The system is designed to be faster, simpler and fully digital.
Travelers planning Gulf visits should monitor developments closely. Application details and launch dates will be confirmed soon. For now, the unified visa stands to reshape travel across one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism hubs.