Archive · 30 Jan 2026
GCC Delays Unified Tourist Visa Launch
The GCC is planning to introduce a new visa that lets tourists visit six Gulf countries with just one permit.
This is similar to how the Schengen visa works in Europe.
The visa was supposed to start by the end of 2025, but it's been delayed until 2026 because the countries need more time to make their systems work together.
Once it's ready, tourists can travel freely between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The visa will cost between $90 and $130, and people can stay for 30 to 90 days.
This will be especially helpful for travelers from India, who often visit the Gulf region.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow tourists to travel freely across six GCC countries with a single visa.
The visa launch has been delayed to 2026 due to technical challenges in integrating immigration systems.
The visa is expected to cost between $90 and $130, with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days.
The initiative is inspired by Europe's Schengen system and aims to facilitate regional mobility.
Indian travelers are expected to benefit significantly from this unified visa due to their frequent travel to the Gulf region.
- Who
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries
- What
- Launch of a unified tourist visa (GCC Grand Tours Visa)
- When
- Expected in 2026 (delayed from end-2025)
- Where
- GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain)
- Why
- To facilitate seamless travel across GCC nations, similar to Europe's Schengen system
- Visa Name
- GCC Grand Tours Visa
- Countries Included
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
- Expected Launch
- 2026
- Cost Range
- $90 - $130
- Stay Duration
- 30 - 90 days
- Visa Types
- Single-country or multi-entry
- Primary Beneficiaries
- Tourists, especially from India