GCC Unified Tourist Visa to Launch Soon: What It Means for UAE Residents and Tourists
Monday, 28 July 2025
The Gulf region is on the verge of a travel revolution. The much-anticipated GCC Unified Tourist Visa, officially titled “GCC Grand Tours”, is set to launch soon—offering foreign residents in the Gulf unprecedented freedom to explore six countries with a single visa.
With the aim of strengthening regional tourism, boosting local economies, and simplifying travel for millions of expatriates, the visa is a major milestone in Gulf cooperation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- What is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
- Key Highlights of the GCC Grand Tours Visa
- When Will It Launch?
- Current Travel Rules for UAE Residents in GCC Countries
- What Will the Unified Visa Mean for the UAE?
- Who Will Be Eligible?
- A New Era of Gulf Tourism
- Frequently asked questions
What is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is a new initiative approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. It will allow visa-holding residents to move freely across all six countries, similar to the Schengen visa system in Europe.
While GCC citizens already enjoy visa-free travel within the region, foreign nationals residing in the GCC still face varying visa requirements. This new visa aims to change that—making intra-Gulf travel much easier and more cost-effective.
Key Highlights of the GCC Grand Tours Visa
- Covers six countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman
- Aimed at residents, not just citizens
- One visa = multi-country access
- Expected validity: Between 30 and 90 days
- Cost-effective: No need to apply for multiple separate visas
- Flexible options: Choose access for one country or all six
When Will It Launch?
Although no official launch date has been confirmed, statements from GCC officials suggest that the visa will be introduced by the end of 2025. The plan was first approved unanimously in late 2023, and several follow-up meetings have moved the project closer to implementation.
In July 2025, GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed that the launch is imminent, thanking member countries for their collaboration. The UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, also emphasized the visa’s role in transforming Gulf tourism and encouraging longer tourist stays.
Current Travel Rules for UAE Residents in GCC Countries
Right now, visa requirements for UAE residents traveling to other GCC nations vary:
- Saudi Arabia: UAE nationals can enter visa-free; expat residents need a visa
- Bahrain: UAE citizens are exempt; residents require a visa or eVisa
- Oman: UAE citizens enter freely; residents need to be in an approved profession
- Kuwait: Open to GCC nationals; non-citizen residents need a visa
- Qatar: Many nationalities allowed visa-free entry; requirements vary
- UAE (for others): Entry from GCC states allowed for 30 days (extendable)
These inconsistencies are what the new unified visa aims to streamline.
What Will the Unified Visa Mean for the UAE?
The UAE, already a tourism powerhouse, is preparing to further enhance infrastructure to welcome more regional tourists. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- New cross-emirate tourist routes planned by the Emirates Tourism Council
- Etihad Rail passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- Improved road networks across the country
Moreover, the visa could empower residents of the UAE to travel more freely across the region using their Emirates ID, making travel easier than ever before.
Who Will Be Eligible?
Full details are yet to be announced, but indications are that the visa will apply to residents of GCC countries, not just passport holders. This means:
- A resident of Saudi Arabia could enter the UAE without additional visa processes
- A UAE resident could explore all six countries under one application
The goal is to simplify regional movement for foreign professionals, families, and tourists living in the Gulf.
A New Era of Gulf Tourism
Once implemented, the GCC Grand Tours visa is expected to:
- Increase intra-regional tourism
- Support longer stays in multiple destinations
- Promote shared heritage and attractions
- Foster a more connected Gulf travel experience
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is a game-changer for foreign residents across the Gulf. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, frequent business traveler, or an expat family eager to explore the region, this visa will open the door to exciting cross-border experiences—with fewer hurdles and more convenience.
Stay tuned as the official launch date nears—2025 is shaping up to be the start of a new era in Gulf travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa, officially called GCC Grand Tours, is a multi-country visa that will allow residents to travel freely between the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
Who is eligible for the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
While full eligibility details are yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the visa will be available to foreign residents living in any GCC country, not just citizens or passport holders.
When will the GCC Unified Tourist Visa be available?
The visa is expected to be launched by the end of 2025, although no official start date has been announced yet by the GCC authorities.
How long will the visa be valid for?
The proposed validity period is between 30 to 90 days, and applicants may be able to choose between access to one country or all six GCC countries.
What are the benefits of the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
It simplifies travel by eliminating the need for separate visas for each country, reduces costs, promotes regional tourism, and provides more freedom of movement for foreign residents in the Gulf.
