A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application.
While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify regional travel for non-GCC nationals and residents. Instead of applying separately for entry into each country, travellers will be able to tour multiple destinations with a single visa — all through a single application process.
Here are the expected features of the future visa:
- Valid for tourism and family visits
- Expected validity: 30 to 90 days
- Option to apply for one-country or six-country access
This could be especially helpful for UAE residents who often host family or plan trips across the region, but who don’t have visa-free access to neighbouring countries. For visitors, that could mean exploring Oman’s coastlines, Qatar’s museums, Saudi Arabia’s historical sites, and Dubai’s skyline — all in one trip, with fewer formalities and faster planning.
Beyond convenience, this unified visa is expected to come with lower costs compared to applying for multiple individual visas. It’s also a move to boost tourism and economic growth in the region by encouraging longer stays and multi-city travel.
And for the GCC as a whole, it’s a step toward greater regional integration, shared tourism development, and cross-border cultural exchange.
