GCC Prepares for Unified Visa Test Run in Late 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council will begin a pilot phase of its unified tourist visa in the fourth quarter of 2025. This marks a new step in regional travel integration and reflects ongoing efforts to position the Gulf as a connected tourism hub.

Minister of UAE Economy and Tourism, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, said the unified visa represents a strategic move to improve cooperation among member states in the tourism sector. 

He described the development as a turning point that will help highlight the unique attractions of each Gulf country while presenting the region as a single destination for international visitors.

The visa trial is expected to pave the way for full activation at a later stage. His Excellency said the project will help increase the visibility of tourism offerings across the GCC and support growth in non-oil sectors.

The unified visa is designed to allow travelers to enter multiple Gulf countries using a single permit. This model follows the structure of regional visa systems used in other parts of the world and aims to simplify travel requirements for tourists.

In the United Arab Emirates, tourism investment has continued to grow in line with regional efforts to support initiatives like the unified GCC visa. Investment reached AED 28.8 billion in 2023, rose to AED 32.2 billion in 2024, and is projected to hit AED 35.2 billion in 2025.