Traveling across Gulf countries will soon become easier as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) prepares to introduce a unified Visa system by the end of 2025. Inspired by Europe’s Schengen model, the GCC Grand Tourist Visa will allow visitors to explore all six member countries — Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — using a single entry permit.
The upcoming Visa system aims to transform Gulf tourism by simplifying cross-border travel within the region. According to UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, this initiative represents a “strategic leap toward deeper regional integration.” He added that the move would strengthen the Gulf’s position as a global tourism hub and boost economic cooperation among member states.
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa will feature a fully digital platform, making the application process smoother and faster. Travelers will be able to plan their trips effortlessly, eliminating the need to apply for multiple visas or navigate complex border procedures. Officials believe this will enhance the region’s global appeal and attract millions of tourists annually.
The UAE’s tourism sector is already thriving. By September 2025, licenses in hospitality, aviation, transport, and digital tourism had reached 39,546 — a remarkable 275% increase since 2020. Authorities expect this unified Visa to push those numbers even higher, creating new opportunities for travel, investment, and cultural exchange.
In 2024 alone, over 3.3 million tourists from GCC countries visited the UAE. Saudi Arabia led the list with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Oman with 777,000. With the new Visa, such figures are projected to rise sharply as regional travel becomes seamless and more accessible.
Experts predict that the GCC Grand Tourist Visa will usher in a new era of regional mobility, strengthening tourism, business ties, and unity among Gulf nations.
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