What is the GCC Tourist Visa?

The GCC Tourist Visa is a unified visa that allows travelers to visit multiple GCC countries using a single visa.

Which countries are included in the GCC Tourist Visa?

The GCC Tourist Visa includes UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

When will the GCC Tourist Visa launch?

The GCC Tourist Visa is expected to launch soon, with official announcements anticipated from GCC authorities.

Who can apply for the GCC Tourist Visa?

Tourists from many countries, including India, Europe, the UK, and the USA, are expected to be eligible.

Is the GCC Tourist Visa similar to Schengen?

Yes, it works similarly by allowing travel across multiple countries with one visa.

GCC Grand Tours Visa, Latest News & Updates

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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April 2026, Pilot Confirmed for Q4 2026, UAE–Bahrain First

UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed in January 2026 that the pilot phase will launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). The pilot begins with a UAE–Bahrain air travel corridor, testing real-time data-sharing, QR-code validation at smart gates, and biometric immigration processing.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has deployed 122 biometric smart gates that can clear pre-registered travelers in under 5 seconds using face and iris recognition. Similar upgrades are being installed at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH).

Full six-country rollout is expected late 2026 or early 2027 after the pilot succeeds.

November 2025, GCC Tourism Ministers Confirm 2026 Launch

At the annual GCC tourism ministers' meeting, member states formally confirmed 2026 as the launch year for the unified visa. The official name, GCC Grand Tours Visa, was also confirmed at this meeting.

January 2026, Visa Officially Named "GCC Grand Tours Visa

The GCC Secretary-General confirmed the official branding of the unified permit as the GCC Grand Tours Visa. This replaced earlier working titles used in 2024–2025 media coverage.

January 2026, 2025 Pilot Deadline Missed

The originally planned Q4 2025 pilot launch was officially delayed due to technical and security-system integration challenges between member states. The Times of India and VisaHQ both confirmed the delay in January 2026, with UAE officials citing the need for additional biometric infrastructure upgrades at border crossings.

February 2024, Saudi Tourism Minister Calls It "A Historic Step"

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, speaking at the eighth GCC tourism ministers' meeting in Doha, described the unified tourist visa as "a historic step approved by the GCC Supreme Council." This was the strongest public endorsement of the programme at that point.

November 2023, Official Project Announcement

GCC Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi announced the unified visa project at the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Muscat, calling it "a new achievement added to the accomplishments made by the Cooperation Council." This was the first official public confirmation of the programme.

What to Watch For Next

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