In a milestone decision set to transform tourism in the Middle East, the UAE has approved the long-awaited GCC Unified Tourist Visa, moving the vision of hassle-free Gulf travel a step closer to reality.
In a major boost to tourism in the Gulf countries, UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri has announced the approval of the long-anticipated GCC unified tourist visa. The UAE minister said on June 16, 2025, that it will be rolled out in the near future.
Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri further said that now the next decision in this regard lies with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it. Speaking during the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp, Al Marri said, “The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon. Now, it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it,” according to Khaleej Times.
This announcement marks a historic milestone for regional cooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. The new unified visa will allow non-residents to enter any of the six countries on a single permit—much like Europe’s Schengen Visa.
What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The GCC Grand Tours Visa, also referred to as the GCC Unified Visa, is a strategic tourism initiative aimed at simplifying travel across the Gulf region. It gives foreign tourists the flexibility to visit one or all six member nations using just one visa—eliminating the need to apply separately for each country.
The move is being hailed by tourism industry stakeholders as a game-changer for the region, paving the way for collaborative marketing, regional itineraries, and integrated travel experiences across the Gulf.
UAE at the Heart of Gulf Tourism
Among all the GCC nations, the UAE remains the tourism powerhouse, drawing millions of visitors annually. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the UAE’s tourism sector supported over 833,000 jobs in 2024. That number is projected to hit 1 million by 2030, underscoring the industry's pivotal role in national economic development.
With one in every nine UAE residents expected to be employed in tourism by 2030, the unified visa couldn’t come at a better time.
Benefits for Tourists
1. Seamless Multi-Country Travel
The biggest advantage is the ability to travel freely across six countries with a single visa—cutting paperwork and allowing for spontaneous travel across borders.
2. Hassle-Free Application Process
The entire visa process is expected to be online, fast, and traveler-friendly—an essential feature for modern global tourists.
3. Cost Savings
Tourists can cut costs significantly by avoiding multiple visa fees. The unified permit is a more affordable option for exploring the Gulf as a region.
4. Access to Diverse Cultures
From Oman’s mountains to Qatar’s museums and the UAE’s skyscrapers, travelers will be able to experience the vast diversity of the Arabian Peninsula with ease.
Benefits for the GCC Countries
1. Stronger Regional Economies
Increased tourism will likely bring a surge in spending on hotels, transport, dining, and cultural experiences—fueling job creation and hospitality sector growth.
2. Promoting Cultural Exchange
A unified visa means more cross-cultural exposure, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to connect and share their unique traditions and stories.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Although the full application requirements are yet to be finalized, applicants can expect to submit:
- A valid passport
- Completed online application
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return or onward flight ticket
While a launch date is yet to be announced, the approval of the visa marks a decisive step forward. The proposal is now under review by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and its GCC counterparts for final implementation.
As Gulf nations continue to position themselves as global tourism powerhouses, the GCC Grand Tours Visa may well become the key that unlocks the region’s full travel potential—for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.
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