
In a landmark development for regional tourism, the long-awaited GCC Unified Tourist Visa has officially been approved and is expected to launch by the end of 2025. The single-entry permit will allow tourists to travel across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain without the need for multiple visas, significantly easing movement within the region.
The announcement was confirmed by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, during a press conference at the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp on June 16, 2025. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Al Marri stated, “The single GCC tourist visa has been approved and is now waiting to be implemented. It is currently with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant stakeholders.”
Dubbed the “GCC Grand Tours Visa”, the unified document is being compared to the Schengen visa system in Europe, which permits hassle-free travel between participating nations. This bold initiative aims to transform the travel experience in the Gulf by eliminating the need for separate visa applications, despite the countries already enjoying strong air and road connectivity.
Once launched, the GCC visa is expected to boost tourism, promote intra-regional travel, and reinforce the Gulf’s position as a unified and attractive global tourism hub. The initiative marks a significant step in regional integration and economic cooperation, offering visitors a more connected and immersive experience across diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions in the Gulf region.