An IMGW News Report
Travelling across the Gulf is set to become far easier, thanks to a new Schengen-style visa that will allow visitors to move seamlessly between six countries. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – approved the Unified Tourist Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, in 2023. It is expected to be rolled out by late 2025 or early 2026.
“Culturally rich heritage sites, modern architectural marvels, and year-round sunshine make the region an appealing alternative to traditional Mediterranean or Asian routes. However, complex visa rules have historically hindered multi-country itineraries”
The measure is part of a broader strategy to diversify economies long reliant on oil revenues. Gulf states are investing heavily in sectors such as artificial intelligence, technology, finance, real estate, tourism, and investment migration programmes, often referred to as ‘Golden Visas’. These initiatives aim to attract high-net-worth individuals and global talent, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and positioning the region as a competitive business and leisure hub.
Tourism sits at the heart of these reforms. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s bold push for luxury hospitality, and Qatar’s post-World Cup strategy illustrate the ambition to transform the Gulf into a global travel destination. Culturally rich heritage sites, modern architectural marvels, and year-round sunshine make the region an appealing alternative to traditional Mediterranean or Asian routes. However, complex visa rules have historically hindered multi-country itineraries.
The Unified Tourist Visa aims to remove those barriers. Visitors will soon be able to apply via a single online portal for a permit granting access to all six GCC nations. The application process will require standard documentation – passport copies, photographs, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, evidence of sufficient funds, and an onward ticket. The visa will not permit employment or long-term stays, with validity expected to range from 30 to 90 days.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but officials indicate the unified system will offer a cost-effective alternative to securing six separate permits. For a region increasingly defined by economic modernisation, this initiative signals more than convenience: it underscores the Gulf’s ambition to become an integrated tourism and business ecosystem capable of competing with Europe and Asia for global travellers, investors and entrepreneurs.
