Traveling across the Gulf countries will now be easier. All thanks to one document.
Traveling between Middle Eastern countries will soon become easier, from a formal perspective, thanks to the launch of the GCC Grand Tours Visa, which will allow you to visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa was approved for implementation in 2023, and work is currently underway to finalize the project. The goal of this tourist visa is to simplify the formalities required for travel to the Gulf countries. It will now be possible to visit them in a single trip, without the need to obtain visas for each country visited.
The new tourist visa will be valid in all six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Previously, travelers had to apply for separate visas for each of these countries. The new system will allow residents from outside the region to obtain a single visa.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa will not be valid for business travel or long-term travel. Visits are only permitted for tourism, short stays, and visiting family and friends. The duration of the new visa has not yet been officially announced, but it is expected to be between 30 and 90 days.
How much will the new visa for Gulf countries cost?The price of the new tourist visa is also unknown. Local authorities assure that it will be cheaper than the equivalent of six separate visas for individual countries. The GCC is expected to be introduced at the end of this year or in early 2026, reports Euronews.
To apply, you'll need to use a dedicated portal, which hasn't been launched yet. You'll need to provide a detailed travel plan, including planned connections between countries, as well as proof of sufficient funds for the trip. Those who are comfortable with the current rules will still be able to apply for individual visas for specific countries.
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