A single visa for six Gulf countries moves closer as Saudi Arabia confirms a 2026 launch

The Gulf’s long-planned unified visa is set to go live next year, marking the most significant step yet toward integrated regional travel and a more connected tourism economy across the GCC. The confirmation came from Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who said the initiative had reached a major milestone after four years of coordinated work among Gulf governments.

Speaking at the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum in Manama, Al-Khateeb said the GCC is moving through a historic period of tourism expansion, supported by cultural depth, modern infrastructure and a consistently safe environment. He said these strengths are positioning the region among the world’s leading destinations. “The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are witnessing a historic transformation in their tourism sectors, with tourism emerging as a key economic pillar alongside oil and trade,” he said.

A single visa for six Gulf destinations

The unified entry permit, officially known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, will allow travellers to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman using a single application. The programme was formally approved in November 2023 at the meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman and is widely viewed as a Schengen-style model designed for the Gulf.

Officials see it as a central piece of the region’s economic diversification strategy, expected to attract international visitors who want multi-country itineraries without repeated paperwork, separate fees and varied entry rules. Early indications suggest the visa will be valid for tourism and family visits, with online applications only. Travellers are expected to be given the choice between access to a single country or all six, with validity ranging between one and three months. Costs are expected to be lower than securing individual visas for each destination.