Dubai, UAE – June 2025 – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved the much-anticipated GCC Visa, a unified tourist visa that will allow travelers to visit all six member countries on a single visa.
This is a move that has been warmly welcomed by travel stakeholders, citing increased cross-border travel. Moreover, the introduction of this visa will see a boost in the hospitality sector, spurring increased economic activity.
With the tourism sector expected to gain, this will create more jobs, and more foreign money spent on these countries, and position the Gulf area as an ideal tourist destination.
What Is the GCC Unified Visa?
Announced initially in May 2024 during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the GCC Unified Visa is modeled after the Schengen visa used in Europe to enable seamless travel across the GCC member states, which are:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
With one application, tourists will be able to visit all six nations, removing the need for multiple visa processes.
Related: GCC to Pilot Unified Tourist Visa in Q4 2025: What We Know
Minister Confirms Visa Rollout
Speaking to media outlets, the UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed that the visa has been approved and is awaiting implementation by the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities.
“The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and is now with the Ministry of Interior… it should be launched soon,” he said.
The unified visa is part of the GCC’s broader tourism push, following 2023 statistics that showed a 68.1 million tourist influx into the region, generating $110.4 billion in revenue.
Key Features of the Visa
As of now, we do not have all the details, but here is what we can expect the visa to have:
- One visa, six countries
- Optional access: single country or all six. This will give you the option to either seek a visa for a specific country or get the unified visa
- Online application process only
- Valid for 30–90 days, depending on final policy
- For tourism and family visits
- Lower total cost compared to applying country-by-country
As mentioned earlier, the visa is expected to increase regional tourism. You will find business people having a meeting in Doha, but then en
How to Apply (Once Live)
Though the visa hasn’t launched yet, here’s what the process will most likely look like:
- Visit the official GCC visa portal (URL to be announced)
- Choose between single-country or six-country access
- Fill in your travel details and upload the required documents
- Pay the visa fee online
- Receive your e-visa by email
- Carry a digital or printed copy for travel
Expected Documents for Application
You’ll likely need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
- Travel insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A return or onward flight ticket
Note: This is a pre-travel visa, meaning no visa-on-arrival is expected under this scheme.
FAQs:
Has the GCC unified tourist visa been approved?
Yes, it has been officially approved and is awaiting rollout.
When will the GCC unified visa start?
While no exact launch date has been given, it is expected before the end of 2025.
Who can apply for the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
Tourists and visitors who want to travel across any or all of the six GCC countries.
How do I apply for the GCC visa?
Applications will be online once the visa officially launches. You’ll choose your access level and submit supporting documents digitally.
What’s the GCC visa fee?
Exact pricing hasn’t been announced, but it is expected to be more affordable than applying for six separate visas.
What are the 6 GCC countries included?
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Is there a visa-on-arrival option?
No. The visa must be approved before travel.
