GCC Unified Tourist Visa Will Allow Seamless Travel Across Six Gulf Nations

Officially named GCC Grand Tours, the visa is still in the research and testing phase, according to the latest updates from March 2025. When implemented, it’s expected to streamline travel for the millions of non-citizen residents living in the region, as well as international visitors.

The idea was unanimously approved by GCC ministers in late 2023. The unified visa will make it possible to explore multiple destinations in a single trip, support long-stay tourism, and reduce the need for separate applications for each country. Authorities are now working with major tour operators to create regional holiday packages that span multiple countries. Discussions are also underway to address technical integration and security standards across all six nations.

Currently, travel conditions vary across the GCC. While citizens enjoy visa-free movement, residents often face additional requirements such as profession-based approvals or separate visas. The unified visa is expected to change that, offering one consistent process for travel across the region.

No official launch date has been confirmed, but the system is considered a key step in boosting regional tourism and economic cooperation. The UAE has already begun working on internal tourist routes that connect the seven emirates in preparation for increased visitor traffic once the visa is active.