The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will introduce a unified visa next year, enabling travellers to visit six Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman—through a single application. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb confirmed the milestone after four years of regional coordination.
Speaking at the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum, Al-Khateeb highlighted the GCC’s historic tourism expansion, citing modern infrastructure, cultural depth, and safety as factors positioning the region among the world’s leading destinations. “Tourism is emerging as a key economic pillar alongside oil and trade,” he said.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa, modeled after the Schengen system, will simplify travel with online applications, options for single-country or six-country access, and validity of one to three months.
Early reports suggest lower costs than obtaining separate visas for each country. Applicants will need a valid passport, accommodation details, travel insurance, proof of funds, and a return or onward ticket.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the importance of easing mobility within the bloc, noting that GCC airlines carried nearly 150 million passengers last year, yet only 70 million travelled regionally.
The visa aims to tap this demand, boost multi-country itineraries, and encourage longer stays.
The initiative also aligns with broader regional goals of harmonized regulations, unified data systems, and cross-border tourism investment.
Officials expect the application portal to open before the official launch next year, with full details released in the coming months.
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