The upcoming GCC Tourist Visa will allow travellers to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman with a single visa. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Nate Hovee
The GCC Tourist Visa, which allows foreign citizens to travel to all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries with a single visa, is expected to launch soon.
The launch of the visa means that travel in the six GCC countries concerned – United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, will be simplified.
Initially approved in 2023, the visa – named the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is in its final stages. Even though the launch date has yet to be confirmed, the official website with information says it is expected that the visa will be introduced by the end of 2025.
The exact details of the visa are still being finalised, but it is expected that the GCC Grand Tours Visa will enable multi-country access with a single visa.
It will likely be valid for tourism purposes and family visits, with only online applications being accepted. Applicants will probably be able to choose between one-country or six-country access, and the validity period of the visa may be between 30 to 90 days.
Compared to the existing traditional visas, the GCC Unified Visa will have a longer validity period and lower overall costs as compared to obtaining six separate visas.
The required documents may vary depending on the nationality and purpose of visit, but visitors may be expected to provide a copy of their passport with a minimum validity period of six months, completed online application form, recent passport-size photo, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, proof of funds, and a return or onward ticket.