Unified GCC tourist visa for six Gulf nations to launch soon: What to know

In a landmark move set to transform travel in the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch a unified tourist visa that will allow visitors to explore six Gulf nations with a single permit. Once operational, the visa will grant access to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman offering a seamless travel experience across the bloc. Designed to boost regional tourism, streamline mobility and support non-oil economic growth, the GCC’s ‘Grand Tours Visa’ mirrors Europe’s Schengen model and marks a major step towards deeper regional integration.