Dubai: Soon, visiting the Gulf’s top destinations may be as easy as clicking ‘apply’ once.
A major travel update is on the way for UAE residents and frequent travellers: a unified tourist visa that covers all six GCC countries is expected to launch soon — giving non-GCC nationals a simpler way to explore the region without multiple visa hassles.
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
The initiative was approved in 2023 and is currently in its final planning stages. While no exact launch date has been confirmed yet, the visa is expected to roll out sometime this year.
Why it matters for UAE travellers
For UAE residents who frequently host family or plan trips around the Gulf, this visa could be a game-changer. Whether you’re planning a long-weekend escape to Muscat, a culture-packed Doha stopover, or want to see Riyadh, Manama, and beyond, this visa eliminates the need to apply country by country.
It’s especially good news for expats and residents in the UAE who may not have visa-free access across the region. Now, with a single online application, you’ll be able to plan an entire Gulf itinerary with fewer formalities and at a lower cost.
What we know about visa features
While the final terms are still being confirmed, here’s what’s expected:
- Multi-country access with one visa
- Valid for tourism and family visits
- Online application only
- Likely validity: 30 to 90 days
- Option to choose between one-country or six-country access
The GCC Grand Tours Visa will reportedly come with extended validity and lower overall costs, especially compared to getting six separate visas. That means more travel, less paperwork.
Benefits beyond convenience
This unified visa isn’t just a win for travellers. It’s also designed to boost tourism and economic growth across the Gulf. By making it easier for visitors to tour the region, the GCC aims to increase hotel stays, airline traffic, retail spending, and cultural exchange.
Expect this initiative to also strengthen regional ties, as travellers explore shared traditions — from desert festivals to contemporary cityscapes — in a single trip.
Documents you will likely need
Though the final list may vary depending on your nationality and travel plans, here’s what travellers will likely be asked to provide:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
- Completed online application form
- Recent passport-size photo
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Travel insurance covering medical needs
- Proof of funds (bank statements or similar documents)
- Return or onward travel ticket
How to apply once it launches
Once the visa officially goes live, here’s how the application process is expected to work:
- Visit the official visa website (TBA)
- Choose your visa type – one-country or unified multi-entry
- Fill out your travel details and upload documents
- Pay the visa fee securely online
- Receive the e-visa in your email
- Print it or keep a digital copy for airport checks
Note: Visa-on-arrival is not expected to be part of this initiative for now, so pre-approval will be required before you travel.
Final word: Why this matters now
For UAE-based travellers — especially those who enjoy regional exploration — the GCC Grand Tours Visa could open up a new era of spontaneous, cost-effective travel.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, event-goer, family visitor, or adventure lover, this one-visa-for-all plan is designed to make your Gulf trips smoother than ever.
And there are now multiple reports that the visa could be launched before the year ends. So watch this space — and your calendar — because a new way to travel the region is just around the corner.
