GCC Approves Schengen-Style Tourist Visa: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially announced the introduction of a Schengen-Style Tourist Visa, aimed at simplifying travel across all six member states: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The unified visa is designed to promote tourism and ease cross-border travel for short-term visitors. According to a GCC tourism spokesperson, the pilot phase is expected to begin in late 2025, with full implementation soon after.
This move mirrors the European Schengen visa model, allowing tourists to move freely across participating countries on a single visa.
Background and Context
Approved in November 2023 during a meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman, the GCC Unified Tourist Visa, also known as the “GCC Grand Tours” visa, is designed to streamline travel across the Gulf region. The visa will be issued through a centralized digital platform, offering multiple-entry access with a validity of 30 to 90 days. It will apply exclusively to tourism purposes, including leisure travel and visiting family and friends.
What Is the GCC Schengen-Style Tourist Visa?
The new visa, sometimes referred to as the GCC Unified Tourist Visa, enables travelers to visit multiple GCC countries without applying for separate permits. It primarily targets tourists and short-term visitors, excluding employment or long-term residency.
Travelers can apply for either a single-country or multi-country option, with visa validity expected between 30 to 90 days. Multiple-entry options are under consideration for frequent visitors.
Application Process
The application process for the GCC Grand Tours Visa will be fully online, aiming to provide a user-friendly experience. Travelers will need to submit a completed application form along with necessary documents, which may include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended travel date
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight)
- Financial evidence to support the stay
Once submitted, applications will be processed, and approved visas will be issued electronically. The processing time is expected to range from a few days to a week.
Approval Status and Launch Timeline
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is currently in its final approval phase, with a pilot launch scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. The full rollout is expected to follow shortly thereafter. This phased approach will allow authorities to address any logistical challenges and ensure a smooth implementation across all member states.
Benefits and Implications for Travelers
The Schengen-Style Tourist Visa will benefit travelers in multiple ways:
- Simplified Travel: One visa covers all participating GCC countries.
- Faster Approvals: Online submission reduces paperwork and delays.
- Economic Boost: Easier access encourages tourism spending across the region.
- Enhanced Experience: Travelers can plan multi-country itineraries without multiple applications.
Experts note that this move positions the GCC as a more competitive tourism destination, especially for international travelers seeking short-term multi-country experiences in the Middle East.
Impact on Regional Tourism
The introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa is anticipated to have a significant impact on regional tourism. By eliminating the need for multiple visa applications, the visa simplifies travel for tourists and encourages multi-country itineraries. This initiative aligns with the GCC’s broader goals of economic integration and cultural exchange.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, is expected to benefit substantially from the visa rollout. With its growing religious tourism sector and ambitious Vision 2030 economic reforms, the Kingdom stands to attract more visitors under the new visa scheme.
FAQs
The GCC Schengen-style tourist visa, officially known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, allows travelers to visit all six GCC member states—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—with a single permit.
Applications for the GCC Unified Tourist Visa will be submitted online through an official portal. Applicants will need to provide necessary documents, complete the application form, and pay the visa fee.
The pilot phase of the GCC Grand Tours Visa is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a full rollout expected shortly thereafter.
