One Visa, Six Nations: GCC Set for Unified Entry System

The Gulf Cooperation Council is preparing to introduce a landmark travel initiative that will let tourists move between six Gulf countries using a single visa. Expected to roll out in the final months of 2025, the “GCC Grand Tours Visa” marks a new phase of regional connectivity aimed at turning the Gulf into a shared travel destination.

The visa will allow eligible travelers to apply once and access multiple countries without needing separate permits. The application process will be entirely digital, with travelers able to submit documents, pay fees, and track approvals through one online portal.

Tourism officials say the move is part of a broader plan to integrate the region’s travel systems, streamline entry procedures, and promote cross-border tourism. By easing movement between countries, the visa is expected to unlock new multi-destination routes for both domestic and international visitors.

Unlike existing visa frameworks that limit travel to one country at a time, this unified system will give tourists the flexibility to explore different parts of the Gulf.

The new system is designed with efficiency in mind. Requirements are expected to include a valid passport, health insurance, confirmed accommodation, a return or onward flight, and proof of sufficient funds. Once approved, the visa will likely offer a stay window of between 30 and 90 days.

Officials believe this development will do more than boost tourism figures. The long-term goal is to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and build infrastructure that supports regional growth beyond the oil sector. 

The visa program draws inspiration from the Schengen Area model in Europe. While the Gulf version is more limited in scope, analysts say it carries similar potential for deepening regional ties and promoting long-term collaboration in areas like transport, hospitality, and digital governance.

With the digital systems, security coordination, and immigration protocols now being aligned, the groundwork is being laid for what could become one of the most important travel changes in the region’s history.