GCC Unified Tourist Visa Likely in 2026: What Travellers Need to Know About the ‘Schengen-Style’ Gulf

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, is moving ahead with plans to introduce a long-awaited Unified Tourist Visa that could significantly simplify travel across the region.

Often described as a “Schengen-style visa” for the Gulf, the proposed permit will allow visitors to enter all six GCC member states using a single visa, removing the need to apply separately for each country. Officials have said the initiative is aimed at boosting tourism, encouraging longer stays, and strengthening regional economic integration.

The new permit is also being referred to as the GCC Grand Tours Visa or Unified GCC Tourist Visa in official and industry discussions.

Expected Launch Timeline

While the unified visa was initially expected to be rolled out by late 2025, implementation has now been pushed to 2026 due to the complexity of coordinating immigration systems, security checks, and data-sharing mechanisms across six sovereign nations.

According to travel industry sources, the rollout is likely to happen in phases, beginning with a pilot programme.

So far, no exact launch date has been officially announced. Authorities have only confirmed that the system is expected to go live in 2026, with some officials indicating early 2027 as a possible extended timeline if technical challenges persist.

Who Can Apply?

The GCC Unified Visa is primarily designed for non-citizen visitors, including tourists, business travellers, conference delegates and multi-country holidaymakers.

While final eligibility rules are yet to be published, expected requirements include:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity

• Proof of accommodation and onward or return travel

• Travel insurance covering all GCC countries

• Supporting documents depending on travel purpose

Authorities are expected to introduce a fully digital application process. Travellers will likely be able to apply through an online portal and receive their visa electronically, similar to existing e-visa systems in other regions.

Likely Visa Fees

Official fee details have not yet been announced. However, preliminary estimates from industry sources suggest the unified visa may cost between US $100 and $150 (approximately AED 367–550).

If implemented at this price point, the permit would be more cost-effective and convenient than applying for separate tourist visas for each GCC country. The single-application system is also expected to reduce processing delays and paperwork.

Validity and Length of Stay

Final rules on validity are still under discussion, but proposed options include:

• 30-day stay (single or multiple entry)

• 60- to 90-day validity for extended travel

• Multiple entries within the validity period

• Possible tiered options based on travel purpose

Officials have indicated that the framework will be flexible enough to support both short vacations and longer multi-destination trips. Details on extensions, renewals and entry limits will be released once the official system is launched.

Boost for Gulf Tourism

Tourism authorities see the unified visa as a major step towards positioning the Gulf as a single, integrated travel destination. By making it easier for visitors to move between countries, the initiative is expected to increase tourist spending, encourage longer stays, and support regional events and conferences.

With mega projects, cultural festivals and international sporting events lined up across the Gulf, the unified visa could play a key role in shaping the region’s future tourism landscape.

As preparations continue, travellers and industry stakeholders are now watching closely for formal announcements in the coming months.