GCC Tourist Visa Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Meta Title: GCC Tourist Visa 2025: How to Apply, Requirements, Launch Date
Meta Description: Discover how to apply for the GCC Tourist Visa in 2025. Learn about eligibility, documents, visa fees, launch updates, and explore all 6 Gulf countries with a single visa.

✅ What is the GCC Tourist Visa?

The GCC Tourist Visa is a proposed unified visa that will allow travelers to explore all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—with a single visa.
This strategic move is expected to transform tourism across the Gulf region, simplify travel for millions, and boost the region’s economy by creating a “Schengen-style” experience for the Middle East.

In short, with one visa, tourists will be able to:

• Enter any GCC country

• Move freely between GCC member states

• Enjoy seamless Gulf tourism

🔥 Update (June 2025): UAE and Saudi ministers have confirmed that the visa will be launched soon, with an expected rollout before the end of 2025.

🌐 GCC Countries Covered

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) includes the following countries:

1. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

2. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

3. 🇴🇲 Oman

4. 🇶🇦 Qatar

5. 🇰🇼 Kuwait

6. 🇧🇭 Bahrain

These countries together represent over 60 million residents, world-class infrastructure, and stunning attractions from deserts to futuristic cities.

🧾 GCC Tourist Visa Requirements

Here’s what travelers are expected to need to apply for the visa:

📌 Basic Requirements:

• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Proof of Return Ticket

• Hotel Booking or Accommodation Proof

• Travel Insurance

• Passport-size Photo

• Financial Proof (bank statement or sponsor details)

👤 Who is Eligible?

Tourists from many countries will likely be eligible, including:

• European Union (EU) countries

• UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

• India, Philippines, South Africa, Russia, China

💡 Visa exemptions may apply for GCC residents or certain nationalities. Always check the latest requirements.

📝 How to Apply for the GCC Tourist Visa

Although the official portal has not launched, the application process is expected to follow a simple online e-visa format.

🧭 Step-by-Step (Expected):

1. Visit the official GCC visa portal

2. Create an account and complete the visa application form

3. Upload required documents

4. Pay the visa fee online

5. Receive visa approval via email

The visa is expected to be entirely electronic (eVisa) and easy to verify at any port of entry across the GCC.

💳 GCC Tourist Visa Cost and Validity

Though exact details are not confirmed, early reports suggest:

• Visa Fee: Expected to be $80–$120 USD

• Validity: 30–90 days

• Entries: Multiple-entry visa is likely

• Extension: May be possible within the GCC zone

✅ This visa will offer tremendous value—allowing travel across 6 countries for the price of one.

📅 GCC Visa Launch Date: When Will It Start?

📣 Latest Updates (June 2025):

• In interviews with Khaleej Times and Gulf News, UAE and Saudi officials stated that the visa is in final preparation stages.

• The UAE Minister of Economy confirmed in early 2025 that the visa would launch this year.

• It aligns with Gulf Tourism Strategy 2030, targeting over 120 million tourists annually by the end of the decade.

🚦Expected Launch:

Q4 2025 or early 2026 (Based on official reports)

✈️ Benefits of the GCC Tourist Visa

Why is this visa such a big deal?

• ✅ One Visa for Six Countries

• ✅ Save on Multiple Visa Fees

• ✅ Seamless Gulf Travel

• ✅ Boost for Tourists & Businesses

• ✅ Encourages Cross-Gulf Exploration

🧭 Sample 10-Day Itinerary Using GCC Tourist Visa

Day 1–3: Dubai, UAE

• Visit Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Desert Safari

Day 4–5: Muscat, Oman

• Explore Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bimmah Sinkhole

Day 6–7: Doha, Qatar

• Visit National Museum, Souq Waqif, Katara

Day 8–10: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Tour Edge of the World, Al-Masmak Fortress, Diriyah

🚗 Move freely with short regional flights or inter-country buses

⚖️ GCC Visa vs Schengen Visa

FeatureGCC Tourist VisaSchengen VisaNumber of Countries627Travel FlexibilityHigh (within GCC)High (within EU)TypeeVisa (expected)Sticker/EmbassyPurposeTourismTourism, Business

🔍 The GCC visa is inspired by the Schengen model, and aims to replicate its tourism-friendly success.

📢 Media Coverage & SEO Boost

The term “GCC Tourist Visa” is now featured across:

• Gulf News

• Khaleej Times

• Arabian Business

• Al Jazeera English

• Reuters (Middle East)

🔍 Google Trends shows a 300% increase in search traffic in the past 6 months for “GCC Tourist Visa”.

Our site brings you the latest updates, real-time alerts, and application guidance. Bookmark us or subscribe!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the GCC Tourist Visa available now?
A: Not yet, but expected by end of 2025.

Q2: Can I visit all GCC countries with one visa?
A: Yes, that is the main purpose of the visa.

Q3: Will this be an online visa or need embassy visits?
A: It is expected to be an electronic visa (eVisa).

Q4: Can Indians apply for the GCC Tourist Visa?
A: Yes, India is among the eligible countries once it launches.

Q5: How much does it cost?
A: The price is estimated to be between $80–$120 USD.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The GCC Tourist Visa is set to revolutionize tourism in the Middle East. Whether you’re a backpacker, family traveler, or business visitor, this unified visa will offer incredible flexibility, cost savings, and convenience.

✉️ Stay Updated

Subscribe to our updates or follow us on social media for real-time announcements once the visa goes live.

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