6 Gulf Nations to Launch Unified Schengen-Style Visa by Late 2025

Excitement is building as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announces a unified Schengen-style visa. This new visa will allow travelers to explore six Arab nations with just one permit. Say goodbye to the hassle of multiple embassies and complex visa processes. This initiative marks a major step forward for pan-Gulf tourism.

GCC Unified Tourist Visa

Known as the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” this upcoming program is similar to Europe’s Schengen Visa. It will enable tourists to enter one GCC country and travel freely across the other five. This change simplifies tourism, strengthens economic ties, and transforms the Gulf into a vast, open-roaming destination.

The Six Nations Taking Part

This groundbreaking visa will cover the entire GCC region, including:

1. Saudi Arabia
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. Kuwait
6. Bahrain

With just one visa, you can easily journey from the skyscrapers of Dubai to the souqs of Doha, or from Oman’s tranquil beaches to the futuristic landscapes of Neom in Saudi Arabia—without any additional documentation.

When Is It Launching?

Here’s what we know about the rollout:

• The unified visa system was approved in November 2023 during the GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Oman.
• GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi stated that the rollout is in its final technical stages.
• The visa is expected to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026, integrating technology, security, and tourism infrastructure among all six nations.

Why This Is a Game Changer

This initiative is a significant development for global travelers, digital nomads, and tourism operators:

• One visa will cover six countries.
• It enhances travel freedom throughout the Gulf.
• Ideal for cultural tours, business meetings, and desert adventures.
• It saves time, money, and reduces paperwork.

According to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, this visa will improve visitor experiences and position the GCC as a leading global tourism hub.

Official Confirmation

This announcement is backed by credible sources, including:

• Statements from GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi.
• Official confirmations from the UAE Ministry of Economy.
• Press releases from the Saudi Press Agency and Khaleej Times.
• Coverage by Euronews, Economic Times, and Times of India.

Final Thoughts

The launch of the GCC Grand Tours Visa represents a monumental shift in how tourists experience the Gulf region. By simplifying travel across six countries, this initiative will likely boost tourism and strengthen economic ties. As we approach its expected launch in late 2025, travelers can look forward to a new era of convenient and enriching experiences in the Gulf. Prepare for endless possibilities with just one visa!