Gulf countries have agreed to create a single Schengen-style tourist visa in 2025. Find out how the GCC Grand Tours Visa will work, which countries it covers, when it is expected to launch and what it will mean for travellers

In 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have officially agreed to create a single tourist visa that will allow visitors to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait with a single permit. The move could be a real breakthrough in the development of regional tourism and make travel easier for millions of foreigners. We have collected everything we know about the new travel permit to the region in this article.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy from Visit World to travel abroad safely.

What is the GCC Grand Tour Visa?

The single visa, unofficially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is a joint tourism project modeled on the European Union's Schengen visa. Instead of obtaining separate permits for each Gulf country, travelers will be able to cross the borders of six states with a single document.

Countries that will be part of the common visa zone:

- United Arab Emirates (UAE)

- Saudi Arabia

- Qatar

- Oman

- Bahrain

- Kuwait

What is known about the new GCC visa now?

- The visa has been approved by the ministers of the GCC countries and is in the final stages of implementation.

- Its validity is designed for stays of more than 30 days, although the exact conditions are still being specified.

- It is expected to be launched in the near future, after internal approvals between the Ministries of Internal Affairs of the participating countries.

According to the Minister of Economy of the UAE, Abdullah bin Touk Al Marri, this initiative will make tourism in the region seamless:

"Travelers will be able to see several countries at once, stop in different cities and not waste time on separate visa applications."

Why is the introduction of a new visa important for tourists?

The new visa format will allow:

- Significantly simplify planning a trip to the Middle East;

- Save money – no need to pay multiple consular fees;

- Create flexible travel itineraries, connecting, for example, Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and Muscat in one trip.

- Boost business tourism, transit trips and cultural events.

How does the Schengen visa model work – and what does the GCC adopt from it?

The Schengen visa allows travel to 29 European countries for 90 days within a 180-day period, without additional permits for each country.

The GCC visa follows this model, adapting it to the Middle Eastern format. This approach allows:

- Centrally screen travelers;

- Maintain common security standards;

- Encourage joint promotion of the region as a tourist destination.

How many tourists visit the Gulf countries?

In 2024, Dubai alone welcomed 18.7 million tourists, and in the first three months of 2025 – more than 5.3 million.

- Saudi Arabia welcomed 29.7 million tourists in 2024, 48% more than the previous year.

- Qatar in 2024 – 5.07 million tourists, in the first quarter of 2025 – another 1.5 million.

- Oman in 2024 – 4 million visitors, and by 2040 plans to increase this figure to 11 million per year.

The introduction of a single visa is expected to increase the total tourist flow to 128.7 million visitors by 2030, stimulating the economy, aviation, hotel infrastructure and creative industries in the region.

When exactly will the GCC single visa come into effect?

The official launch date has not yet been announced, but GCC authorities say the process is in its final stages. Details – cost, application format, length of stay – are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The introduction of the GCC Grand Tour visa is not only a convenience for tourists, but also an important geopolitical and economic signal. The Gulf region, long perceived as a business region, is becoming increasingly attractive to travelers, adventure seekers, cultural tourism and investors.

In the coming years, tourists will be able to travel from Dubai to Riyadh or from Doha to Muscat as easily as between Paris and Amsterdam.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Recall! In 2025, the UAE continues to attract freelancers from all over the world thanks to flexible visa solutions, tax benefits and easy legalization of activities. We have already told you how to get a freelance license in the UAE: who is eligible to apply, how much it costs, what are the benefits and which jurisdictions offer the most favorable conditions.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.