The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce a long-awaited single tourist visa next year, allowing travelers to visit six member countries with a single application.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib confirmed the announcement on Saturday.
Speaking at the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum in Manama, Bahrain, Al-Khatib said the initiative follows four years of coordinated efforts among GCC member states. He described the single visa scheme as a historic step toward integrating tourism across the region.
“The GCC is undergoing a historic expansion in tourism, driven by rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and safe environments,” Al-Khatib said. He added that tourism has become a key pillar of the region’s economy alongside oil and trade.
Officially named the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” the program will allow travelers to visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman under a single visa. Travelers can choose to visit one or all six countries, with visa durations ranging from one to three months.
The concept was approved at the GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Oman in November 2023, modeled on the EU’s Schengen visa system. Initially, the visa will be valid for tourism and family visits, with applications submitted online.
Applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, proof of accommodation, a passport-size photo, travel insurance, financial capability, and return or onward tickets. Officials confirmed the process will be streamlined, with digital visa issuance via email after online submission and fee payment.
Al-Khatib highlighted the growing regional air traffic as a key factor for the initiative, noting that GCC airlines transported around 150 million passengers last year, of which 70 million traveled within the region. He said the single visa will encourage longer stays, multi-city visits, and broader economic benefits across member states.
Officials said more details, including the online application portal, will be shared in the coming months ahead of the official launch next year.
HKJ
