GCC unified tourist visa expected to launch in 2026

The Schengen-style visa will allow travelers to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman with a single permit

A Schengen-style visa allowing travel across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations with a single permit is expected to launch in 2026. The GCC announced the initiative in 2025, building on a framework first outlined in July 2023.

The GCC Grand Tours Visa, also referred to as the Unified Tourist Visa or Unified GCC Visa, will grant entry to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman under one permit. Currently, travelers must apply for separate visas for each country.

Why the launch was delayed

The visa was initially planned for 2025, with a pilot phase expected by the end of that year. However, the rollout was postponed due to the complex nature of aligning immigration protocols, security standards, and data-sharing systems across all six member states.

Authorities say a phased testing process will be prioritized to validate the system before its full release.

What we know so far

Under the new system, non-GCC nationals will likely be able to choose between a single-country or multi-country option when applying. The visa is expected to cover tourism, short-term stays, and visits to family and friends, but will not permit employment or long-term stays.

The validity period has not been announced, but is expected to range from 30 to 90 days.