The highly anticipated unified tourist visa, allowing visitors to travel freely between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman using a single visa, is expected to roll out on a trial phase later this year.

Named the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” this landmark initiative mirrors Europe’s Schengen system and marks a historic step toward strengthening Gulf tourism and economic cooperation. The visa aims to position the Gulf as a unified global destination while enhancing connectivity, cultural exchange, and regional growth.

According to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), applications will be processed via a single electronic platform, making it easier for tourists to visit one or multiple GCC countries without the hassle of separate applications. The system will feature digital processes such as online submission, document uploads, and fee payments, offering convenience and efficiency.

The pilot phase of the Grand Gulf Tour Visa is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2025, with full implementation to follow. The announcement was made by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, during World Tourism Day celebrations.

Al Marri emphasized that the unified visa represents a significant step toward deeper regional integration, paving the way for the Gulf to emerge as a single, world-class tourism hub. Travelers will be allowed to stay for over 30 days within participating countries, with visa validity ranging between 30 to 90 days, giving them ample time to explore the region.

Tourists will need to provide a valid passport, personal photograph, hotel reservation, health insurance, return ticket, and proof of financial means to apply.

For Qatar, the new visa opens exciting opportunities to attract more regional visitors and integrate its world-class attractions into the broader Gulf tourism circuit — from the museums of Doha and the Katara Cultural Village to Souq Waqif, Lusail Boulevard, and the country’s stunning desert landscapes.

Experts believe the GCC Grand Tours Visa will not only boost Qatar’s tourism revenues but also support the region’s non-oil economic diversification goals, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. The initiative is also expected to complement the country’s growing reputation as a global destination for culture, sports, and innovation.

By linking the coasts of Oman, the markets of Saudi Arabia, Dubai’s skyline, Qatar’s museums, Kuwait’s Corniche, and Bahrain’s beaches, the unified visa underscores a shared Gulf identity while offering travelers a richer and more connected experience.

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