Latest news with #UnifiedTouristVisa
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First Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
How a new Schengen-style visa will change travel in the Gulf region
Travelling across the Gulf is about to get a lot easier. A new Schengen-style Unified Tourist Visa will soon let visitors explore Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait on a single permit. Expected to launch by late 2025, the visa aims to streamline tourism and boost regional economies read more The Gulf, specifically refers to the countries surrounding the Persian Gulf, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All of these except Iraq are also members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Representational Image/Pixabay The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch a new Unified Tourist Visa that will allow international travellers to visit multiple Gulf countries on a single entry permit. Known interchangeably as the GCC Grand Tours Visa or the Unified GCC Tourist Visa, the initiative has already received official approval and is currently under implementation. The visa system, which draws comparisons with Europe's Schengen visa, is expected to be operational by late 2025 or early 2026, according to GCC and member state officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once introduced, the new visa regime will apply to all six GCC member nations — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman — enabling eligible foreign nationals to move freely between these countries for short-term visits. What we know about the Unified GCC Tourist Visa The new system will offer two options: one for travel to a single GCC country and another that permits access to multiple member states. While further specifics on visa fees and validity are yet to be announced, officials have indicated that the permit is expected to be valid for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the traveller's itinerary and visa type. Once operational, the visa application process will be conducted entirely through a centralised online platform, accessible to eligible travellers worldwide. Users will be required to submit personal information, travel dates and intended destinations across the Gulf. Applicants will have to choose whether they want a visa for one GCC country or for multiple member states. In addition to filling out an online form, applicants will need to upload a number of supporting documents. These are expected to include: A valid passport A recent passport-style photograph, likely with a white background Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host Comprehensive travel insurance that is valid across all six GCC countries A recent bank statement demonstrating the applicant's financial capacity A confirmed return or onward flight ticket, indicating departure from the GCC After submission, applicants will be required to pay the visa fee online via a secure payment gateway using a debit or credit card. While the exact visa fee has not yet been announced, officials have stated that the unified option will be more affordable than applying for six individual visas. Once approved, the visa will be issued electronically via email. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Travellers are advised to carry a printed copy throughout their journey, as it may be requested during border checks or by immigration authorities during inter-GCC travel. The Unified Tourist Visa is designed exclusively for tourism, short-term stays, and family visits. It will not permit employment or long-term residence, which will continue to be governed by the respective immigration policies of each member state. The GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi, in a public statement, described the initiative as an essential step in regional development, noting, 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation.' Why the Unified GCC Tourist Visa matters The introduction of a multi-country visa system is expected to significantly improve travel flexibility and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Gulf. According to GCC authorities and tourism officials, the visa is expected to ease the administrative burden for travellers, encourage longer itineraries, and stimulate broader movement between countries. It is also poised to support the growth of key economic sectors, including hospitality, aviation, ground transport, and retail. The new visa is part of the GCC's wider tourism development agenda. In 2023, the Gulf region saw 68.1 million tourist arrivals, marking a 42.8 per cent increase over pre-pandemic levels and generating more than $110 billion in tourism revenue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Destinations like Dubai, which recorded over 7.1 million visitors between January and April this year, are expected to benefit even more from the spillover effect, as travellers use Dubai as an entry point before moving on to explore cities such as Doha, Muscat or Riyadh. Another important dimension of this initiative is the promotion of 'bleisure' travel — a growing trend that combines business and leisure. Business travellers coming to the region for work-related purposes may now find it easier to extend their stay for personal travel across neighbouring GCC countries, thereby contributing further to the local economies. In addition to tourism, the unified visa is expected to drive job creation and investment across multiple sectors. In the UAE alone, the travel and tourism industry supported 833,000 jobs in 2024, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this number is projected to grow to 1 million jobs by 2030. Speaking during a press event, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed the visa's approval, stating, 'The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Euronews
23-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Six Gulf countries to launch Schengen-style tourist visa
A new tourist visa will be launching soon that will make travelling between countries in the Gulf easier. The GCC Grand Tours Visa - also known as the Unified Tourist Visa or Unified GCC Visa - was approved in 2023. It will mean being able to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates with a single permit. The aim is to streamline travel in the region and make it easier to explore multiple countries in one trip. Here's everything we know about when it will launch and how you can apply. What is the Gulf's Unified Tourist Visa? The Unified Tourist Visa will be a single permit that grants entry to all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). At the moment, travellers are required to apply for separate visas for each country. With the new system, non-GCC nationals will be able to choose to apply for a single-country or a multi-country option. The unified visa will be accessed via a single portal, which also means easing the administrative burden on visitors. To be eligible, the purpose of your visit must be tourism, a short-term stay, or seeing family and friends. The visa does not allow for employment or long-term stays. The GCC has not yet confirmed the visa's validity period, but it is expected to range from 30 to 90 days. The fee has also not yet been announced, but authorities say the new multi-country option will be a cost-effective alternative to the current six separate visas for those wishing to visit all member states. The Unified Tourist Visa is expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026. How can I apply for the Gulf's Unified Tourist Visa? The system is not yet live, but once it launches, it will be a fully online process through a dedicated portal. Travellers will need to supply personal information and details of their trip, including the purpose of their visit, travel dates and intended itinerary such as transportation details between countries. They will then be asked to select a visa for a single country or multiple Gulf states. Applicants will need to upload various documents, which are likely to include a copy of a valid passport, a passport-style photo, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip, and a confirmed return or onward travel ticket to a non-GCC destination. Once approved, the visa will be issued via email - but travellers will also be expected to carry a printed copy with them throughout their trip.
Condé Nast Traveler
22-07-2025
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
6 Gulf Countries Are Getting Their Own Version of the Schengen Visa
Traveling across the Gulf is about to become far simpler. The GCC Grand Tours Visa—also referred to as the Unified Tourist Visa—has been officially approved, marking a significant shift in how short-term travel works across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The visa is expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, and once live, it will allow travelers to explore all six GCC countries on a single permit. What is the Unified GCC Visa? The Unified GCC Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa or Unified Tourist Visa, is a new travel document that grants entry to all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Travelers will be able to select between a single-country visa or a multi-country option depending on their itinerary. The system is designed for tourism, short-term visits, and family travel, but does not include provisions for employment or long-term stays. The visa's validity period has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to range from 30 to 90 days. While a multiple-entry option has been discussed, final terms and conditions are still being outlined by the relevant authorities. What this means for travelers to the region The unified visa removes the need for travelers to apply for separate visas to each country, making it easier to plan and execute multi-country trips across the Gulf. Whether visiting for a short break or planning a longer itinerary across several destinations, the single-entry system reduces the administrative effort and simplifies logistics. The visa is expected to make travel more accessible by consolidating paperwork and allowing applicants to use one portal rather than navigating different processes for each country. It also introduces the potential for more cost-effective travel, depending on final pricing structures, which have not yet been confirmed. For those interested in visiting more than one destination in the region, this new system will offer greater flexibility and convenience. At a regional level, the visa is expected to boost tourism and support sectors such as hospitality, transport and retail by encouraging longer stays and broader movement across borders. It may also strengthen cultural exchange, with visitors gaining access to a more connected experience of the Gulf's diverse identities, landscapes and traditions. How to apply Once the system is live, the application process will be completed entirely online through an official portal. Travellers will begin by filling out a digital form with personal details, travel dates and intended itinerary, selecting whether they are applying for entry to a single country or multiple GCC states. They will then upload the required documents, which are expected to include a valid passport, a passport-style photo with a white background, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a recent bank statement, and a confirmed return or onward ticket. The visa fee will be paid through a secure online platform using a debit or credit card. Once the application is reviewed and approved, the visa will be issued electronically via email. Travelers will be expected to carry a printed copy with them throughout their journey. All applications must be submitted and approved online in advance of travel. In the event of a rejected application, travelers will receive a notification outlining the reason. In most cases, reapplication will be possible once the identified issues have been addressed or further assistance can be sought from the relevant immigration authority. A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia affirms commitment to joint work toward building a future for GCC tourism
KUWAIT CITY — Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb participated in the ninth meeting of the ministers of tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Al-Khateeb expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to move forward with more joint programs between GCC countries, such as the Gulf Tourism Strategy and the Unified Tourist Visa. The minister affirmed Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to joint work toward building a bright future for Gulf tourism and its aspiration to achieve new successes that enhance the position of the GCC countries globally. The meeting discussed the development of tourism in GCC countries, which enjoy prosperity, security and stability, in addition to their advanced infrastructure to host various tourism events. It also discussed the exchange of statistics and information, training and development, and inter-tourism. Saudi Arabia has launched several joint programs with Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, which have contributed to increasing the number of tourists and visitors to the region, in addition to creating job opportunities and increasing revenue. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
18-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia affirms commitment to joint work toward building a future for GCC tourism
Saudi Gazette report KUWAIT CITY — Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb participated in the ninth meeting of the ministers of tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to move forward with more joint programs between GCC countries, such as the Gulf Tourism Strategy and the Unified Tourist Visa. The minister affirmed Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to joint work toward building a bright future for Gulf tourism and its aspiration to achieve new successes that enhance the position of the GCC countries meeting discussed the development of tourism in GCC countries, which enjoy prosperity, security and stability, in addition to their advanced infrastructure to host various tourism also discussed the exchange of statistics and information, training and development, and inter-tourism. Saudi Arabia has launched several joint programs with Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, which have contributed to increasing the number of tourists and visitors to the region, in addition to creating job opportunities and increasing revenue.
