Oriented on making people closer

The member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are preparing to launch a unified tourist visa that will simplify travel between the six nations of the region. The new document — GCC Grand Tours Visa, also known as the Unified Tourist Visa or Unified GCC Visa — will allow tourists to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates with a single permit.

The program was approved in 2023, and the launch is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. The visa system will be entirely digital, with applications submitted via a single online portal.

Currently, tourists must obtain separate visas for each Gulf country. The new system will allow travelers to choose between a visa for a single country or a multiple-entry visa covering all six member states.

To apply, individuals will need to provide personal information, travel itinerary, dates of stay, details of travel between countries, and upload several documents — including passport, photograph, hotel booking confirmation, medical insurance, proof of financial means, and an outbound ticket from the region.

Once approved, the visa will be sent to applicants via email. Travelers are advised to print the visa and carry it with them throughout their trip.

The validity period of the visa has not yet been confirmed but is expected to range from 30 to 90 days. The visa fee will be announced at a later date. GCC authorities state that the new visa will offer a cost-effective alternative to obtaining six separate visas.

Photo: gulfnews.com