The long-awaited GCC Unified Tourist Visa is inspired by Europe’s Schengen System. According to the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, it is set for its pilot launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the visa will be officially called the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, which will allow travelers to all six GCC Countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain—with a single entry permit.
Al Marri described the program as a strategic step towards deeper regional integration. Hence, it positions the Gulf as a unified tourism hub. Once fully implemented, the system is going to allow seamless and multi-country travel across the Gulf. Hence, it eliminates the need for many visas.
Boosting the Gulf’s Tourism Powerhouse Vision
Experts said that the unified visa could reshape the tourist landscape of the Middle East. According to Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO of Story Hospitality, it is going to integrate six destinations into one itinerary. Hence, it motivates tourists to mix Dubai with Muscat or Riyadh with Doha in a single trip.
The tourism industry of the Gulf is already booming. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomed 3.3 million GCC visitors, which accounted for 11 percent of total hotel guests. Now, the cross-border tourism is expected to surge with the unified visa. Hence, it could potentially surpass 5 million regional visitors annually.
Khaiser Pasha, General Manager of Thrifty Car Rental Abu Dhabi, said the visa will reduce administrative friction, increase hotel occupancies, event participation, and regional travel demand.
Economic Integration Through Tourism
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa supports the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. Moreover, this campaign aims to attract 40 million hotel guests yearly and raise the GDP contribution of the sector to AED 450 billion. Moreover, the nation is also launching new tourism campaigns to complement the visa. However, we have listed some of those initiatives below:
- “World’s Coolest Winter” initiative
- The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit
- Programs supporting Emirati talent in the hospitality sector.
What’s Next for Travelers with the GCC Unified Tourist Visa
Application for the GCC Unified Tourist Visa is going to be available through a dedicated digital platform, which makes it easier to plan the multi-country Gulf itineraries. Once rolled out, this system will transform the Gulf into a collective tourism powerhouse. Hence, it allows tourists to enjoy the diversity of Saudi heritage, Omani nature, Qatari culture, and the UAE’s iconic skyline—all under one visa.
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