The Gulf is a land of beautiful sceneries, rich heritage and hospitality. With the scenes of the future in Dubai and old forts in Oman, the travellers can now anticipate touring all the six GCC countries with a single travel permit. The Gulf Cooperation Council breakthrough Unified GCC Tourist Visa will ensure that regional travel is no longer a difficult, detached, and expensive endeavor as never before.
All About the Unified GCC Tourist Visa
The new system is also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa which is meant to be used to streamline tourism in the Gulf. Similar to the Schengen visa in Europe, the single GCC tourist visa will enable a tourist to visit more than one country in the Gulf with the same permit.
This project will stimulate tourism, increase economic collaboration, and encourage multi-country and extended trips across the region. The travellers can now apply on-line in a single visa which will allow them to access all the six states in the European Union, which is perfect when travelling on leisure and also family.
When Will the Unified GCC Visa Launch?
It is presumed that the unified visa system would be successfully introduced as a pilot program by the end of 2025 and will be fully rolled out succeeding the success of the trial program.
Which Countries Are Included?
The Unified GCC Tourist Visa will offer travel across all the six countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
How Long Will It Be Valid?
Although, the actual time taken is yet to be established, the visa will most likely be between 30-90 days, which will provide the travellers with flexibility on how to spend a longer period on multiple destinations on a single journey.
Significance of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa.
Benefits for Tourists
- smooth cross-country travel: Visit any two or more destinations in the Gulf without having to apply to different visas.
- Digital process of application: The process of application is done online through one unified platform making it quicker than doing it manually.
- Affordable touring: Tourism saves the cost of visa charges by applying once to all six GCC states.
In the GCC Community, there are benefits.
- Economic growth: The unified visa will drive tourism and stimulate the retail and hospitality sector and create employment opportunities, contributing to the Saudi vision 2030 and the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.
- Cultural exchange: The promotion of inter-country tourism will enhance cultural awareness and cohesiveness of the GCC countries.
- Regional integration: The common visa highlights the GCC focus on the common development and less complicated movement.
Frequently Asked Questions of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa.
What is the process of applying to GCC unified tourist visa?
When it is launched, applications will be made accessible through an official online portal. The travellers will fill a digital form, submit the necessary documents, and pay a visa fee. The visa granted will be issued electronically.
What records are going to be needed?
The full specifications are yet to be finalized, however, the applicants will probably require:
- A valid passport
- A new size photograph: a passport size.
- Completed online form
- Evidence of accommodation and traveling tickets.
Why do we compare it with the Schengen visa?
Similar to the Schengen visa, which would allow you to travel freely across many countries in Europe, the Unified GCC Tourist Visa would allow tourists to visit a few countries within the Gulf on a single permit – to make life easier and tourism within the region.
A New Era for Gulf Travel
The Unified GCC Tourist Visa is a significant milestone of increasing regional integration and mobility. This project is expected to be unveiled by the close of the year 2025 and it will make the GCC one of the most interconnected and tourist-friendly areas in the world. Travellers will be guaranteed of experiencing the various landscapes, luxury and cultural attractions of the Gulf without having to carry multiple visas.
