Unified GCC visa: Middle East’s multi-nation travel permit to be rolled out this year

Saudi Tourism Authority has announced that the ‘game-changing’ Unified GCC visa that will allow travellers to visit all six Gulf countries and stay for over 30 days is set to be rolled out by the end of this year.

The new visa initiative was unveiled by the United Arab Emirates Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

The travel permit seen as the Gulf’s version of the Schengen visa aims to boost tourism and make travel across the GCC region more convenient.


The Gulf Cooperation Council, also called the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

This new unified visa is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in the Gulf and increase the number of hotel guests, ultimately establishing the region as a leading destination for regional and international tourists.

The concept of a unified GCC tourist visa has been in the works since October last year, with unanimous approval from the GCC states. The goal is to foster economic growth in the region by streamlining tourist travel. Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrooq, confirmed that feedback on the unified visa plan was sought by December 2023. In April, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri reiterated the importance of the unified visa in attracting international tourists and highlighted its potential to showcase the region's diverse tourist destinations.

Authorities in the UAE estimate that the unified GCC tourist visa could lead to a record number of visitors, with projections indicating a total of 128.7 million visitors by 2030. This surge in tourism is expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy, creating new opportunities for business and cultural exchange, as well as elevating the GCC's status as a premier travel destination.