Traveling across the Arabian Gulf could soon become much easier. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to launch the GCC Unified Visa, which allows non-GCC nationals to enter and travel between six Gulf countries using a single permit.
Often compared to Europe’s Schengen visa, the new system aims to simplify regional travel by eliminating the need for separate visas for each destination. While the visa was initially expected to launch in 2025, GCC officials have since confirmed a revised timeline, with rollout now anticipated in 2026.
The GCC Unified Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is a proposed single-entry permit that will allow eligible travelers to visit all six GCC member countries:
Instead of applying for multiple visas when planning a multi-country trip, travelers will be able to submit one application and receive one electronic visa covering their journey across the region.
The initiative was approved by GCC member countries in 2023 as part of a broader effort to boost tourism and improve mobility throughout the Gulf.
The GCC Unified Visa was originally expected to enter a pilot phase in late 2025. However, officials later announced that implementation would be delayed until 2026 as member countries continue to align immigration systems, security protocols, and border technologies.
Although an exact launch date has not been announced, tourism officials have repeatedly stated that the visa remains a priority and is expected to become available during 2026. Some reports suggest a phased rollout may occur before a full regional launch.
The application process is expected to be fully digital. Travelers will apply through an online portal, submit supporting documents, pay the visa fee electronically, and receive an e-visa once approved.
While final requirements have not yet been released, applicants will likely need:
Travelers may be able to choose between a visa for a single GCC country or one covering multiple countries, depending on their travel plans. However, keep in mind that details regarding visa validity, pricing, and entry conditions are still being finalized.
Tourism is a major economic priority across the Gulf. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have invested heavily in attracting international visitors through new attractions, events, hotels, and infrastructure projects. However, travelers currently need separate visas for most GCC destinations, which creates additional costs and administrative hurdles.
The unified visa aims to remove those barriers and encourage visitors to explore multiple Gulf countries during a single trip. For example, a traveler could start in Dubai, continue to Abu Dhabi, fly to Doha, visit Bahrain, explore Saudi Arabia’s heritage sites, and finish in Oman without needing separate visa applications along the way.
The comparison stems from the visa’s core concept: a single permit that grants access to multiple countries.
Europe’s Schengen area allows travelers to move freely across many participating nations without undergoing repeated border checks. The GCC Unified Visa is designed with a similar objective, although it will operate under a different legal and immigration framework.
Like the Schengen visa, the Gulf visa would support multi-country itineraries and simplify travel planning. However, travelers should not expect the two systems to function identically, as the GCC countries will retain control over their own immigration policies and entry requirements.
The GCC Unified Visa is not yet available, and several details remain under development, including eligibility requirements, visa validity periods, fees, and the application platform. So be on the lookout for GCC visa scams.
Travelers who are interested in using the GCC Unified Visa should monitor official announcements from GCC authorities and individual member countries as more information becomes available ahead of the expected 2026 rollout.
Until the new system launches, travelers must continue to follow the existing entry requirements of each GCC country they plan to visit. While several Gulf countries already offer e-visas or visa-on-arrival programs for eligible nationalities, separate applications may still be required for multi-country trips.
However, a visa is only one part of the planning. If you’re considering a visit to the Gulf, here are the best eSIMs for each GCC member country that we tested ourselves:
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