GCC Grand Tours Visa Approval Expected in the Near Future

A major travel reform is on the horizon as the Gulf Cooperation Council prepares to roll out the GCC unified visa for visitors and residents. This initiative will reshape regional tourism by allowing multi-country access under a single visa.

The unified permit, officially known as the Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours,” will let travelers explore Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates without needing separate approvals. The unified tourist visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council is part of a larger plan to build stronger connections across tourism, hospitality, and business sectors.

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Council, confirmed that the approved unified GCC tourist visa has moved past the policy design stage and is now in its final phase. Tourists will soon be able to apply online for a unified GCC visa through a dedicated portal.

Unlike past travel procedures that involved multiple visas, the unified visa for GCC countries will eliminate these barriers. It will also benefit the growing number of travelers seeking short breaks, regional events, and family visits across the Gulf states.

The introduction of the unified GCC tourist visa is expected to bring significant economic benefits. With easier entry, regional festivals, sporting tournaments, and trade exhibitions will likely see a rise in attendance. 

The upcoming railway network that will link major Gulf cities is also part of the same vision. When paired with the new GCC tourist visa, the infrastructure will offer both convenience and connectivity across borders.

Officials from across the region, including ministries of tourism and investment, have endorsed the plan. The GCC visa for visiting the UAE is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a key entry point to give travelers the option to begin their journey in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The Gulf visa reform supports a wider strategy to promote shared branding, such as the GCC Grand Tours campaign. With this move, the Council aims to present the Gulf as a single, unified tourism destination.

As momentum builds, this new GCC visa news underscores how the unified GCC visa has evolved from a proposal to a regional shift that’s about to take effect.