Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially confirmed that the pilot phase of its unified tourist visa will begin in the last quarter of 2025. The announcement was made by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
This initiative, often compared to the European Schengen visa, will allow travelers to move freely across all six GCC member states, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Officials describe this project as a strategic milestone that strengthens regional integration and positions the Gulf as a unified, attractive tourism destination.
GCC Grand Tourist Visa
The visa, officially referred to as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, is expected to transform tourism across the Gulf region. By allowing visitors to travel seamlessly among all member countries, the initiative is designed to boost visitor numbers, increase spending, and create new job opportunities.
While the UAE Minister did not specify an exact launch date for the public rollout, he confirmed that the system has already received approval and is awaiting final clearance from the Ministry of Interior and other relevant stakeholders. The pilot phase will be rolled out in stages, with full implementation planned later, ensuring smooth operation and coordination among all six nations.
Benefits of the GCC Single Tourist Visa
Industry experts predict that the introduction of the GCC Grand Tourist Visa will have far-reaching economic and social benefits. Key advantages include:
- Seamless Travel: Tourists will no longer need separate visas for each country, simplifying travel plans and reducing administrative barriers.
- Tourism Growth: Increased visitor mobility is expected to boost hotel occupancy, leisure activities, and local spending in all member countries.
- Job Creation: Tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, aviation, and travel services are likely to create thousands of new employment opportunities.
- Religious and Bleisure Tourism: The visa will encourage both religious tourism and the rising trend of “bleisure” travel, combining business trips with leisure vacations.
By fostering a unified tourism market, the GCC hopes to attract a larger share of international travelers while also boosting intra-GCC tourism.
Predicted Impact on Each GCC Country
Tourism analysts suggest that while all GCC nations will benefit, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are likely to attract the largest share of visitors due to their established tourism infrastructure and global connectivity.
In 2024, the UAE alone hosted 3.3 million tourists from GCC nations, representing 11 percent of total hotel guests. Among these visitors, Saudi Arabia accounted for 1.9 million, followed by Oman with 777,000, Kuwait 381,000, Bahrain 123,000, and Qatar 93,000.
The unified visa is expected to further increase these numbers, encouraging regional travel and spending. Smaller markets such as Bahrain and Qatar will also gain from improved tourist flow, helping diversify their economies and support the growth of hospitality services.
Expected Cost and Duration
While the cost and duration of the GCC Grand Tourist Visa have not yet been announced, industry insiders anticipate a pricing model that is affordable for both short-term and long-term tourists. Visa validity may range from a few days to several weeks or months, accommodating leisure, business, and religious travelers. The final details will be shared by the GCC authorities closer to the official public launch.
Tourism Sector Growth in the UAE
Highlighting the region’s tourism growth, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri noted that by mid-September 2025, the UAE had issued 39,546 commercial licenses in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, aviation, and digital travel services. This represents a 275 percent increase compared with the same period in 2020, demonstrating rapid expansion and a strong commitment to enhancing visitor experiences.
The UAE’s focus on tourism infrastructure, digital travel solutions, and premium services aligns with the GCC Grand Tourist Visa initiative, ensuring that visitors enjoy seamless travel experiences and high-quality accommodations.
Pilot Phase and Full Implementation
The visa will initially be introduced in phases to ensure smooth integration among all member states. During the pilot phase, authorities will monitor operational efficiency, address technical challenges, and collect feedback from travelers and tourism operators. Full-scale implementation is expected to follow after successful evaluation, making the GCC a cohesive tourism destination for both regional and international visitors.
Why the GCC Single Tourist Visa Matters
The introduction of the GCC Grand Tourist Visa marks a significant step toward regional cooperation. It simplifies travel for residents and visitors, reduces paperwork, and strengthens the Gulf’s position as a global tourism hub. By attracting more tourists, the initiative will contribute to higher GDP, employment growth, and increased revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses.
Moreover, the visa enhances the GCC’s international image, positioning it alongside other multi-country visa arrangements, such as the European Schengen visa. It encourages more visitors to explore multiple Gulf countries in a single trip, promoting cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
What Travelers Need to Know
Travelers interested in the GCC Grand Tourist Visa should stay updated with official announcements from the GCC authorities. Key points to keep in mind:
- The pilot phase begins in the last quarter of 2025.
- Final cost, duration, and application process will be announced soon.
- The visa will cover the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
- Travelers should monitor updates from official GCC and national tourism websites to ensure smooth visa applications and travel plans.
By preparing in advance, visitors can take full advantage of this historic initiative and enjoy multi-country travel across the Gulf seamlessly.
Conclusion
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa is a groundbreaking initiative that will simplify travel, promote regional tourism, and boost the Gulf economies. With the pilot phase set for late 2025, travelers will soon be able to explore all six GCC countries with a single visa, creating more opportunities for leisure, business, and cultural exchange.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other member states are preparing for a significant influx of tourists, ensuring premium infrastructure and services are in place. This strategic move strengthens regional integration, supports job creation, and positions the GCC as a single, attractive tourism destination on the global stage.
