The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has opened a new door to hassle-free travel by granting official approval for a single tourist visa. Confimed by UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will enable tourists to travel to all six Gulf states—UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia—on one single entry visa. The single-tourist-visa scheme has been approved and is awaiting operationalization,” announced Al Marri, promising that local officials are working on operating details.
What Travelers Should Know About the GCC Grand Tours Visa
Copied from the Schengen model of Europe, GCC Grand Tours Visa eliminates the need for separate applications for each nation. Visitors are allowed to stay over 30 days in the region, moving freely between borders. Al Marri emphasized the economic benefit of the visa during its launch in May 2024 at the Arabian Travel Market: “This will enable tourists to spend extended periods of time discovering our diverse destinations—from Saudi Arabia’s cultural sites to Oman’s mountain hideaways.”
Tourism analysts foresee a tourism boom, referencing 2023 GCC figures that show 68.1 million travelers generated $110.4 billion—a 42.8% rise from pre-pandemic times. The streamlined visa program could double these volumes by simplifying logistical issues on multi-destination trips.
The latest report from the GCC Statistical Centre emphasises the pivotal role of tourism to regional diversification. With the GCC Grand Tours Visa, experts project long stays and higher spending. Dubai travel consultant Miriam Khalid says, “Families and business visitors who were previously deterred by complex visa processes will now find the whole Gulf corridor convenient.
Though no certain launch date is planned, Al Marri confirmed the visa is “with the Ministry of Interior and relevant stakeholders” ready to be technically implemented. Sources indicate a gradual rollout from late 2024.
Must Know
Q: What’s the difference between the GCC Grand Tours Visa and other visas?
A: Unlike current visas that are country-specific, this single permit allows entry into all six GCC states, valid for stays exceeding 30 days—ideal for extended regional travel.
Q: Which nationalities are eligible?
A: Eligibility criteria are being reviewed, but it is expected to cover all tourist-source markets, including the US, EU, and Asia.
Q: Will visa fees be altered?
A: The price is not yet finalized, but authorities say competitive fees in comparison with the Schengen visa ($80–$100).
Q: Am I allowed to work on this visa?
A: No. It is a tourist-only visa; employment must be done through individual work permits.
Q: How will this increase GCC tourism competitiveness?
A: The combined system places the Gulf as one destination altogether, competing with Southeast Asia and Europe for long-haul travelers.
Q: Do vaccinations need to be done?
A: Health authorities remain country-specific; contact particular GCC health ministries for details.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa is a revolutionary step towards regional tourism, offering unprecedented access to six Gulf nations. International travelers can look forward to effortless exploration of the region’s natural and cultural treasures by monitoring official GCC websites for opening announcements.
