Unified GCC Visa: What UAE Travellers Will Pay Compared to eVisa Costs Now. Travel across the Gulf is about to get easier. The Unified GCC Visa, expected to launch soon, will allow travellers to explore all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations with one permit. This new visa system will reduce costs and simplify travel between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
For now, UAE residents still need to apply separately for eVisas or on-arrival permits when visiting other GCC countries. Here’s a complete comparison of current eVisa costs and what you can expect from the upcoming Unified GCC Visa.
What Is the Unified GCC Visa?
The Unified GCC Visa aims to work like Europe’s Schengen Visa, giving travellers access to all GCC countries under one unified travel document. It will make tourism, business, and family visits across the Gulf faster and easier.
Expected Cost and Validity
Officials estimate the visa will cost between $90 and $130 (Dh330–Dh480), depending on type and duration. Two main categories are expected:
- Single-country permit for one GCC nation
- “GCC Grand Tour” multi-entry visa valid for 30 to 90 days
While the multi-country version will cost a bit more, it offers the convenience of visiting all GCC countries without applying for multiple eVisas.
Comparing Unified GCC Visa to Current eVisa Costs
Let’s look at how much UAE travellers currently pay for eVisas across the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers one of the most flexible eVisa systems for GCC residents.
- Type: Multiple-entry eVisa (valid for one year)
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit
- Cost: Around SAR 535 (Dh525), including mandatory travel insurance
- Notes: It’s one of the costlier options, but it provides long validity and easy re-entry for frequent visitors.
Tip: Using a travel agent can raise costs slightly due to service fees.
Kuwait
Since August 2025, Kuwait has introduced easier travel rules for GCC residents.
- Type: Tourist visa on arrival
- Stay duration: 30 days
- Cost: Estimated Dh250–Dh300 (via online services)
- Condition: UAE residency must be valid for at least six months.
This makes Kuwait a good short-stay option for UAE residents.
Oman
Oman remains the most affordable GCC country for visitors.
- Type: GCC Resident eVisa
- Cost: OMR 5 (Dh48)
- Stay duration: 28 days (single entry)
- Application: Available through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) portal or visa-on-arrival at land borders
For quick trips and weekend getaways, Oman offers excellent value and simple processing.
Qatar
Qatar’s eVisa process is straightforward and accessible to UAE residents who are not GCC nationals.
- Type: Single-entry eVisa
- Cost: QAR 100 (Dh100–105)
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days
- Visa-free options: Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry.
For most UAE-based expats, however, the eVisa remains necessary but affordable
Bahrain
Bahrain offers flexible options for both short and long-term travellers.
- Single-entry visa: BD 29 (Dh284)
- Multiple-entry visa (3 months): BD 77 (Dh756)
- Use: Suitable for tourism, business, or family visits
Frequent travellers may prefer the multi-entry permit, though it’s among the region’s most expensive.
Why Visa Costs Differ
Visa prices vary due to several factors:
- Entry type: Single vs. multiple entry
- Duration: Short stays cost less; longer validity costs more
- Added benefits: Some visas include mandatory travel insurance (e.g., Saudi Arabia)
- Processing channels: Applying through travel agencies adds extra service fees
It’s also important to note that these costs apply to non-GCC nationals holding valid UAE residency visas. UAE citizens, meanwhile, can travel visa-free to most GCC nations.
Unified GCC Visa: A Cheaper and Easier Option?
The Unified GCC Visa is designed to save both time and money for frequent Gulf travellers. Instead of applying separately for each country, travellers can use one document to move freely across all GCC nations.
| Visa Type | Expected Cost | Validity | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unified GCC Visa (Single Country) | Dh330 – Dh380 | 30 days | 1 GCC Country |
| Unified GCC Visa (Multi-Country “Grand Tour”) | Dh400 – Dh480 | 60–90 days | All 6 GCC Countries |
| Current eVisas (Average) | Dh48 – Dh756 | Varies | Single Country |
The Unified Visa’s pricing falls in the middle range compared to current eVisa rates. While it may cost slightly more than Oman or Qatar’s single-entry visas, it saves travellers hundreds of dirhams overall when visiting multiple countries.
How It Will Benefit UAE Travellers
Once introduced, the Unified GCC Visa will:
- Simplify travel planning with one permit for all countries
- Cut down paperwork and online applications
- Encourage tourism and short cross-border trips
- Support regional business mobility
- Reduce total costs for travellers who frequently visit more than one GCC state
This visa will also promote regional unity, similar to the Schengen model in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Cost range: Dh330 – Dh480 (expected)
- Launch date: To be announced soon
- Benefit: Covers all GCC nations with one visa
- Current eVisa range: Dh48 (Oman) to Dh756 (Bahrain)
- Best value so far: Oman remains cheapest; Saudi offers longest validity
Until the Unified GCC Visa becomes available, UAE residents can still apply online for eVisas through each country’s official portal.
Conclusion
The Unified GCC Visa is set to change the way UAE residents travel across the Gulf. By offering one visa for all GCC countries, it promises easier movement, fewer applications, and more savings.
With costs expected between Dh330 and Dh480, it’s positioned as a cost-effective solution compared to applying separately for each country. Once launched, this new visa will open the door to seamless regional tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange — connecting the Gulf like never before.
