GCC Visa to Allow Tourists Seamless Entry into Six Countries

A major policy shift in the Gulf is set to reshape how tourists explore the region. Starting late 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will roll out a new joint visa system that allows travelers to move freely between all six member countries using a single permit.

The initiative, called the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” will simplify entry procedures for short-term visitors and tourists. Travelers will no longer need to apply separately for each Gulf nation. Instead, a centralized digital platform will handle the entire process from application to document submission and fee payment.

This move comes as part of the GCC’s broader plan to strengthen ties in tourism, mobility, and border management. The unified visa aims to streamline travel across the region and support shared tourism strategies among Gulf states.

The new system is expected to encourage multi-country travel within the region. From Oman’s coastal routes to the cultural districts of Saudi Arabia and the modern urban centers of the UAE, travelers will be able to design seamless itineraries without facing separate entry hurdles.

Regional officials view the project as one of the most ambitious non-oil economic efforts to date. It reflects a growing focus on diversifying the region’s income and positioning the Gulf as a connected and attractive destination for global tourists.

Applicants will need to meet basic requirements such as valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, health coverage, and financial means. The visa will likely allow for stays of up to 90 days, depending on final implementation details.

Digital application procedures are expected to speed up approvals and cut efforts. The visa’s affordability compared to multiple individual entry permits could also appeal to travelers from Asia, Europe, and beyond who are looking to explore the Gulf more extensively.

Tourism analysts suggest the program will increase visitor spending, extend average trip durations, and support hospitality businesses across borders. It may also boost airline and transport demand, further linking the region’s economies.

Inspired by the European Schengen model, the GCC’s version of a shared visa could open the door to wider cooperation in security, investment, and infrastructure. 

As the GCC prepares for the pilot phase in the last quarter of 2025, work continues behind the scenes to align systems, finalize rules, and prepare stakeholders for a new era of Gulf travel.