If you’ve ever traveled across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, you know how inconvenient it can be to secure a separate visa for each nation. However, this could soon be a thing of the past, as a new tourist visa could simplify your travel plans. The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, allowing tourists to travel between all of the GCC countries with one visa.
So, what does this mean for you, and how could this affect your travel plans? Here’s everything we think you should know.
What is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa (also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa) is a new visa being introduced sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. Currently, you have to get a visa for each individual country in the GCC. However, when the new visa rolls out, you only have to apply for one and can visit all 6 countries, making for a more quick and simple cross-border travel experience.
Is This Similar to the Schengen Visa?
Though the GCC Unified Tourist Visa and the Schengen Visa are not the same thing, the new visa is inspired by the Schengen Visa, essentially making it a Schengen-style GCC visa. The Schengen Visa allows travelers to visit multiple countries throughout Europe. Though the GCC visa isn’t available yet, it has the potential to do something similar, and would allow tourists to visit all of the GCC countries using one visa.
Why is the GCC Travel Visa Being Introduced Now?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is expected to make a positive impact and benefit travelers greatly. The visa should increase tourism to the 6 GCC countries by encouraging multi-country trips, potentially boosting their economies. It should also make travel between the countries easier, allowing people to travel with one visa instead of having to obtain multiple.
Which Countries Are Included in the GCC?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa will allow travelers to visit all of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. There are currently 6 GCC member states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This will make going from country to country easier for those looking to visit multiple destinations in one trip.
When Will the GCC Unified Tourist Visa Launch?
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is expected to launch sometime in the near future, but there is currently no set date. It was approved back in 2023, however, it hasn’t rolled out yet. The GCC countries are finalizing details and should have a launch date soon. Currently, it’s looking like it will go into effect starting sometime in late 2025 or early 2026.
How Much Will the GCC Unified Tourist Visa Cost?
A common question when it comes to this new visa is how much it will cost. Though there’s no word on the price of the visa yet, there should be an announcement in the upcoming months. The visa is expected to launch sometime in late 2025 or in early 2026, so the cost should be revealed relatively soon. We will keep you updated as we know more.
What Will I Need to Apply For the GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
You will need to gather some information and materials when it comes time to fill out your application. Although the exact details have not been released, there are some documents that you’ll likely need. For example, you may need to provide a valid passport, a passport photo, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward travel ticket. You should be able to see the exact list of documents that you’ll need once the visa rolls out.
How Will Travelers Benefit From the New System?
This new system comes along with numerous benefits for travelers, including that it will make travel between the GCC countries a more seamless experience. Some other benefits of the new GCC Unified Tourist Visa include more flexibility while traveling. You’ll be able to apply for one visa for six countries instead of having to apply for separate visas for each of them.
Will I Still Need a Passport to Travel to the GCC Countries?
It’s important to remember that you will also need to obtain a passport in order to travel to the GCC countries. We highly recommend that you apply for your new passport or passport renewal ahead of time so that you receive it in time for your trip. Fortunately, getting your passport with Swift is quick and easy.
To get started, visit our website. Here, you can fill out your application, and complete the checkout process. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our knowledgeable team. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
