The much-anticipated GCC Unified Tourist Visa, officially titled GCC Grand Tours, is preparing to roll out its pilot phase by the end of 2025. The visa will allow seamless access across six Gulf countries—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman—bringing a major shift to how residents and tourists move within the region.
Unlike the current system, where non-GCC nationals must apply for separate visas for each country, this new initiative aims to create a simplified, cost-effective travel experience.
A Shift Towards Seamless Gulf Mobility
Currently, while GCC citizens can travel freely across the bloc, foreign residents face different rules in each country. This fragmented approach often complicates spontaneous regional travel, particularly for those living and working in the UAE.
The new GCC visa will ease restrictions by allowing access to all six countries with a single permit, like the Schengen visa.
Plans for the visa were approved in late 2023, with a trial phase set for launch in late 2025.
What Travellers Can Expect
Authorities have shared initial details offering insight into how the visa will work, though official guidelines are still in progress.
- Two visa types may be available: single-country or multi-country access
- Validity options are expected to range between 30 to 90 days
- The visa is likely to be open to residents of GCC nations, not just passport holders
- A unified digital system for application and entry is being discussed
The goal is to boost tourism, economic growth, and ease travel for Gulf expatriates.
UAE’s Role in Driving the Vision Forward
The UAE is set to lead the way in adopting the new system, thanks to its advanced tourism infrastructure and digital capabilities. The ministry says the country is ready to make changes for the rollout.
The Emirates Tourism Council is already working on a connected tourist route across all seven emirates. The upcoming Etihad Rail passenger network, slated to launch in 2026, will add another layer of convenience by offering efficient travel across the country and possibly connecting to neighbouring GCC countries in the future.
Benefits for UAE Residents and the Wider GCC
One of the biggest advantages of the GCC Unified Tourist Visa will be for expatriates living in the UAE and other Gulf countries. Rather than applying for individual visas each time they travel, residents will be able to explore multiple countries within the region using just one visa.
This shift supports not only personal travel but also encourages more cross-border business, family visits, and cultural exchange. It also paves the way for multi-destination tourism packages, opening new doors for regional tour operators and hospitality providers.
In short, this visa could strengthen tourism economies across all six countries by offering a smoother, more accessible travel experience.
Current Travel Conditions for UAE Residents in GCC
To understand the significance of the upcoming change, here’s how visa conditions currently stand for UAE residents travelling across the GCC:
- Saudi Arabia: UAE citizens don’t need a visa, but expats require one even for short stays.
- Oman: While Emiratis enter visa-free, GCC residents must meet certain employment criteria or be accompanied by a qualifying individual to get a visa on arrival.
- Qatar: Entry is visa-free for over 100 nationalities, but conditions vary and are dependent on your passport.
- Bahrain: Nationals travel freely; residents need an eVisa or visa on arrival.
- Kuwait: GCC nationals enter with ID cards; others must apply for an eVisa.
- UAE (for incoming GCC travellers): Expats from neighbouring countries can enter for up to 30 days, with limited extension options.
The upcoming unified visa system will bring consistency to these varying rules, especially for non-GCC nationals, making travel planning more predictable and flexible.
Visa Rollout Timeline
The official pilot launch is expected in Q4 2025, but no fixed date has been announced yet. The trial phase will help authorities assess logistics, security, and digital infrastructure before rolling out the visa fully—potentially by mid to late 2026.
Government representatives from each of the six nations have been meeting regularly, with a focus on:
- Standardising security protocols
- Aligning digital visa application systems
- Preparing tourism departments for more cross-border travel
The GCC will make the Grand Tours visa a key feature of Gulf travel, encouraging more residents and international tourists to explore the region with ease.
The Bigger Picture: Boosting Gulf Tourism
The launch of this visa coincides with the GCC countries’ efforts to diversify their economies through tourism. By removing visa barriers and offering a more connected experience, the unified visa is likely to increase travel across the bloc.
It will also allow the region to market itself as a single, multi-destination tourism hub, attracting long-stay visitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond. Think: visiting Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and Muscat all under one travel plan—with fewer forms and less red tape.
For the millions of residents in the UAE and across the Gulf, the GCC Unified Tourist Visa promises far more than convenience. It signals a new chapter in regional collaboration, making it easier to explore neighbouring countries, connect with cultures, and discover the full diversity of the Arabian Gulf.
With trials scheduled for later this year, travellers in the region can look forward to a more streamlined, accessible, and exciting way to experience the Gulf.
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