Say hello to seamless Gulf adventures with this game-changing unified tourist visa
Pack your bags and update your bucket list; traveling across the Gulf is about to get a major facelift.
Gone are the days of stressing over multiple visas just to enjoy a weekend in Bahrain, a desert escape in Oman, or a foodie trip to Saudi.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is officially working on a game-changing unified tourist visa, and it’s called, drumroll, please, GCC Grand Tours.
That’s right. One visa. Six countries. Endless adventures.
What’s the deal?
In a recent announcement, GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi confirmed that the long-awaited single-entry visa for the region is finally moving forward.
All six member states, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, are on board and actively shaping what could be the easiest travel experience the Gulf has ever seen.
The idea is simple but powerful: make tourism across the region smoother, cheaper, and more accessible for the millions of non-GCC nationals living in the Gulf; not just visiting tourists.
Think of it as your passport to regional road trips, beach getaways, desert festivals, and cultural deep-dives, all on one visa.
So what’s changing?
Currently, traveling between Gulf countries means juggling different visa rules, depending on your nationality and residency status.
GCC nationals can breeze through borders with just an ID card, but for residents and tourists, it’s often a maze of eVisas, on-arrival stamps, and eligibility criteria.
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Here’s a quick snapshot of the now:
UAE to Saudi? Citizens? Easy. Residents? Visa needed.
Oman? Only open to UAE residents with approved professions – or bring a buddy who qualifies.
Kuwait and Bahrain? Bring your eVisa or prepare for on-arrival paperwork.
Qatar? Many get in visa-free, but stay lengths vary.
With the GCC Grand Tours visa, all that red tape could melt away. You’d be able to travel across all six GCC countries without needing a separate visa for each.
You can stay longer than 30 days in the region; perfect for digital nomads, long-haul travelers, or anyone who just wants to take their time.
What do I need to get in on this?
While we’re still waiting on the official launch date and final checklist, here’s what you’ll likely need to apply:
A passport with at least six months left
A recent photo (get that passport game strong!)
Hotel booking or an invitation letter
Proof of funds (think bank statements)
A return or onward travel ticket
Travel insurance with medical coverage
Online application via a digital portal
Yes, the whole thing will likely be online – no embassy visits, no paper trails, no stress.
What’s next?
The plan was officially greenlit in late 2023 after a unanimous thumbs-up from GCC ministers during a summit in Oman.
Right now, officials are fine-tuning the rollout. As soon as the launch date drops, we’ll have all the juicy details for you.
Until then, dream big; because soon, the Gulf is your oyster.
One visa. Six countries. Infinite memories. GCC Grand Tours is coming!
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