The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the approval of a new “one-stop” travel system aimed at making cross-border travel easier for citizens of member states. The pilot phase of this system will begin in December 2025, with air travel between the UAE and Bahrain as the first stage.
This initiative mirrors the coordination model of the European Union’s Schengen Area, focusing on simplifying travel by reducing the time spent on immigration, customs, and security checks.
Under this new system, travelers will undergo all necessary checks at a single checkpoint upon arrival, eliminating the need for multiple inspections. If the pilot is successful, the system will expand to other GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The system will also include a unified electronic platform to track travel-related violations, allowing for better coordination between the member states.
In addition to the one-stop system, the GCC is also working on a unified tourist-visa program. GCC Grand Tours Visa, which will allow travelers to visit all six member states with a single permit, is expected to launch already in 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on the GCC’s travel initiatives and regional developments! The upcoming changes could make cross-border travel much more convenient.
