Bahrain
Saudi Tourism Minister Projects Unified GCC Visa Launch in 2026: The long-awaited GCC Unified Tourist Visa, known as “GCC Grand Tours,” is set to become a reality in 2026, according to Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The announcement came during the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum in Bahrain, marking a major step toward seamless travel across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
A Landmark Step for Regional Mobility
After four years of collaboration among Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, the unified GCC visa is nearing completion. Designed to simplify cross-border travel, the initiative aims to enhance tourism’s contribution as a key economic driver for the region.
Al-Khateeb emphasized that the Gulf is witnessing a profound economic transformation, with tourism emerging as a core pillar of sustainable growth. “The Gulf region has the infrastructure, safety, and cultural richness to become one of the world’s top tourism hubs,” he said.
Boosting Connectivity Across the Gulf
Presenting data from 2024, Al-Khateeb revealed that the region’s four leading airlines carried nearly 150 million passengers, yet only 70 million traveled within the Gulf. This, he noted, highlights an opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity and encourage travelers to explore multiple GCC destinations in a single trip.
Modeled After the Schengen System
Formally approved by GCC ministers in late 2023, the GCC Grand Tours visa follows a model similar to Europe’s Schengen visa, granting travelers multi-country access with one unified travel document. Once implemented, visitors will be able to move freely among participating Gulf nations, promoting intra-regional tourism and economic integration.
Fully Digital and Visitor-Friendly
In line with the Gulf’s digital transformation agenda, the visa process will be conducted entirely online. Applicants can submit documents, choose between single-country or multi-country travel options, and complete payments through a centralized digital portal.
The visa validity is expected to range between 30 and 90 days, offering flexibility for both short-term travelers and extended regional tourists.
Unlocking the Gulf’s Tourism Potential
With this unified visa, the GCC is poised to redefine tourism in the Middle East. By removing travel barriers, the region can attract millions of international visitors seeking to experience its heritage, landscapes, luxury offerings, and modern hospitality.
As Al-Khateeb concluded, “The unified GCC visa is not just a policy—it’s a gateway to shared prosperity and deeper cultural exchange across our nations.”
