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.
Officially named the GCC Grand Tours Visa, this new visa scheme will allow travel to:
- 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.
