Unified GCC Tourist Visa Set for Pilot Launch in 2025: UAE Minister Confirms
A Game-Changing Tourism Initiative for the Gulf
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to launch a unified tourist visa in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
This Schengen-style visa, called the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, will allow travelers to visit all six GCC nations — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — using a single visa.
A Strategic Step Towards Regional Integration
In an interview with UAE news agency WAM, Al Marri emphasized that the unified visa is a “strategic step towards deeper regional integration” and will enhance the region’s image as a collective tourism destination.
While the exact launch date hasn’t been disclosed, the minister confirmed the pilot phase will begin before the end of the year. Full implementation will follow at a later stage.
Minister: Visa Already Approved and Awaiting Rollout
Back in June 2025, Al Marri told Khaleej Times that the visa had already been approved and was awaiting implementation. He stated:
“The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and now waiting to be implemented, hopefully, soon. Now, it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders, and they should look into it.”
Who Benefits from the Unified Visa?
Industry experts believe this move will be a game-changer for the tourism and hospitality industry, giving a significant boost to GDP and creating thousands of new jobs across the region.
While all GCC countries are expected to benefit, UAE and Saudi Arabia are likely to attract the most visitors under the new visa framework.
Rising Tourism Figures in the UAE
According to Al Marri, the UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries in 2024, accounting for 11% of total hotel guests. Here’s a breakdown of visitors:
- Saudi Arabia: 1.9 million
- Oman: 777,000
- Kuwait: 381,000
- Bahrain: 123,000
- Qatar: 93,000
These figures show strong regional travel trends that the unified visa is expected to accelerate.
Surge in UAE Tourism Licences
Al Marri also revealed that the number of commercial licenses in tourism and related sectors in the UAE reached 39,546 by mid-September 2025 — a 275% increase from mid-September 2020. These include licences in:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Aviation and air transport
- Aviation technology
- Digital tourism solutions
Still Unknown: Visa Cost and Duration
While the visa has been approved, important details such as visa cost and validity period have yet to be announced.
Final Thoughts
The unified GCC tourist visa represents a significant leap forward in regional collaboration, promoting both religious and “bleisure” (business + leisure) travel. With the pilot phase launching soon, the Gulf is well on its way to becoming a more accessible and attractive destination for global travelers.
