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ToggleThe GCC Unified Tourist Visa – also referred to as GCC Grand Tours Visa – is going to make it incredibly easy for non-GCC countries’ residents to travel across the six Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.
It is thought that the upcoming visa is going to bring more freedom to the millions of non-nationals residing in the region. You can also expect international tourists to be able to spend more than 30 days in the GCC region. Isn’t it incredible?
Plans for the GCC Grand Tours Visa had officially been confirmed late in 2023. It is going to be officially launched soon, according to the latest update from the GCC Secretary General. This article has all the updates about the Schengen-style programme.

GCC Grand Tours Visa: Does it mean better intra-regional GCC tourism?
Just as its name suggests, the GCC Unified Tourist Visa is aimed at encouraging tourism in the Gulf region and expanding each country’s tourist economy. Currently, it is possible for citizens of GCC countries to travel across the region visa-free.
But the GCC Grand Tours Visa is going to enable the tens of thousands of foreign nationals in the region, in addition to international tourists, to explore each of the GCC states at ease. It is likely to have a longer validity period and less overall costs.
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa holders can choose from one-country to six-country access and the validity period is expected to be in the range of 30 to 90 days. The programme is going to streamline the process of getting a visa and instill a lot more consistency.
Current rules for exploring other GCC countries from the UAE
Before the high-in-demand GCC Unified Tourist Visa or GCC Grand Tours Visa is launched, let’s understand the current rules for travelling across the Gulf region from the UAE. The rules might differ from one nation to another.
1. Saudi Arabia
If Saudi Arabia is taken into consideration, it is a popular fact that UAE citizens do not need a visa to explore their neighbouring country. They can also stay for up to 90 days in the Kingdom. But people just residing in the UAE do require a visa.
2. Bahrain
Same as the situation in Saudi Arabia, citizens of the UAE do not need a visa to explore Bahrain. But it is necessary for passport holders of other countries residing in the UAE to arrange an e-Visa or a Bahrain on-arrival visa. Bahrain is not a neighbouring nation of the UAE.
3. Qatar
Citizens of dozens of countries can get visa-free entry to Qatar, including Emirati nationals. Others can easily obtain an e-Visa using the Hayya platform. Depending on a person’s passport, the duration of stay and other conditions are likely to be different.
4. Oman
Oman is another neighbour of the UAE. Emirati citizens do not need a visa to enter Oman. But GCC residents are required to be on a list of professions or be accompanied by another person currently in order to get an unsponsored visa. You can find more details here.
5. Kuwait
Citizens of the UAE just need to present a valid GCC ID card to enter Kuwait visa-free. But residents need an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival. In order to check the visa status, install the official Kuwait VISA mobile application on your smartphone.
If someone from the GCC seeks to enter the UAE, the person can stay for a period of no longer than 30 days. This duration can be extended for a single time using an e-Visa. The upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa is going to change the game for millions.
Is UAE prepared to accept GCC Unified Tourist Visa?
Definitely! The UAE is possibly the best prepared of the six GCC countries to handle large numbers of tourists. In fact, there is a possibility of the Dubai International Airport (DXB) reaching the 100 million passenger mark by the end of 2026.
Dubai keeps maintaining its dominant position in the global tourism landscape. But the other Emirates are also getting close, especially the capital city of Abu Dhabi and the northern Emirate of Ras al Khaimah.
1. Emirates Tourism Council focusing on a ‘Tourist Route’
From January to May 2025, Dubai attracted 8.68 million international visitors, including a sizeable 1.53 million people in just May. Dubai is a popular tourist destination around the clock, catering to the needs and preferences of people or all ages.
The UAE is making some important changes to enhance its tourism infrastructure further. For example, don’t miss that the Emirates Tourism Council is focusing on a ‘Tourist Route‘ inside the country to better interconnect all of the 7 Emirates.
This route is part of a grander ambition to promote cross-GCC tourism, something similar to currently seen across Europe. Plans are being made to transform the Gulf region into one of the most sought-after global destinations for both regional and international tourists.
2. Dubai air taxis to start full operations soon

Yes, it is 100% correct. On June 30, 2025, Dubai air taxis ruled the internet and are still doing the same to a great extent. It happened as an all-electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft from Joby took to the sky for a successful test flight.
Tens of thousands of tourists are expected to benefit from Dubai air taxis. Four locations are chosen for initial vertiport infrastructure construction, including the busy Dubai International (DXB) and the beautiful Palm Jumeirah.
It is possible to reduce the transport duration from the Dubai airport to The Palm Jumeirah to just 12 minutes or less from the present 45 minutes by road. Let’s not forget the reduced carbon footprint, quieter transport and great glimpses of Dubai.
3. Etihad Rail passenger train set to start operations
Join content creator Shehab Al Hashemi and Engineer Kholoud Al Mazrouei in an exclusive episode as they embark on a test journey aboard the Etihad Rail prototype passenger train, led by Emirati captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi.
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) December 20, 2024
This future passenger train offers an unparalleled travel… pic.twitter.com/YS50pITt4k
Imagine the amount of time it takes to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai getting reduced to just 30 minutes. It is possible and is soon going to be a reality, all thanks to the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger train. This project is meant to connect all 7 Emirates.
The forthcoming passenger train is expected to make UAE tourism an even greater thing. It could be launching anytime in 2026. The 900km-long route includes 11 cities across the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The maximum speed of the passenger trains for all Emirates is going to be 200 kmph. In addition to comfortable seating, the train is also going to feature infotainment systems and charging stations, besides a business class lounge at all stations.
4. Hafeet Rail: Gulf region’s first cross-border rail project

Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment established Hafeet Rail Company to build and operate the region’s first cross-border rail project connecting the UAE and Oman. In Phase 1, the rail project is going to connect the UAE capital to the Omani port city of Sohar.
This is nothing less than incredible. Using state-of-the-art infrastructure, the passenger trains are going to take an estimated 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Sohar from Abu Dhabi. From Al Ain to Sohar, the duration reduces to just 47 minutes.

The length of this ambitious route is 238 km. You can find 2,500 meters long tunnels and 39 underpasses. The passenger train is expected to feature a seating capacity of 350-400 passengers and operate at a speed of up to 200 km per hour.
GCC Grand Tours Visa: Benefits for Tourists
1. Easy multi-country travel
There are multiple benefits attached to the GCC Unified Tourist Visa or, officially referred to as the GCC Grand Tours Visa. First of all, tourists can seamlessly travel across multiple Gulf countries using just a single visa. There is no need for multiple applications.
2. Simplified visa process
Second, the application process for the GCC Grand Tours Visa is going to be completely online, further simplifying the procedure. You can make use of a user-friendly online application process, reaping the benefits of a hassle-free experience.
3. More affordable and greater opportunities
Third, instead of paying for multiple different applications, the upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa is a more affordable choice for people looking to explore the Gulf region and understand their culture and traditions better.
For the local community, the GCC Grand Tours Visa is sure to boost tourism, increase spending in local economies, ensure more job creation and help in cultural exchange. More tourists can better understand and appreciate the region’s rich heritage and cultures.
GCC Unified Tourist Visa: Documents required
To apply for the Unified GCC Visa or the GCC Grand Tours Visa, it is necessary to submit some important documents that can help verify your identity, travel intentions and preparedness for your journey across the six GCC countries.

1. Valid passport
Though all the details are yet to be finalised, there is a list of typical documents that are expected to be required, including a valid passport. The passport needs to carry at least six months of validity from the date of entry into the GCC region.
2. Complete an application process
Make sure to keep multiple blank pages in the passport for exit and entry stamps. Next, complete an online application form featuring a list of questions, including personal information, travel details and the purpose of your visit.
3. Passport size photographs and other documentation
You might be required to submit recent passport sized photographs. The photos need to be in colour and clearly identifiable as you. Some applications may required additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation like hotel bookings or a rental agreement.
You can also submit a letter of invitation from a host residing in one of the GCC countries. Next, they are might be a need to submit a itinerary, proof of travel insurance, proof of financial means and evidence of a return flight to your home country or further journey.
GCC Unified Tourist Visa: In a nutshell
The soon-to-be-launched GCC Unified Tourist Visa or GCC Grand Tours Visa is going to significantly change the tourism scene in the Gulf region for the better. You can expect simplified application processes and much more affordability.
The exact validity period of this visa has not been finalized yet. But it is expected to offer a reasonable duration, possibly ranging from 30 to 90 days, to travel to one or multiple GCC countries. Isn’t it incredible?
It is going to be officially launched soon, according to the latest update from the GCC Secretary General. The UAE is possibly the best prepared of the six GCC countries to handle large numbers of tourists, but Saudi Arabia has also been making a lot of progress.
The Unified GCC Visa is nothing less than a gamechanger. In addition to supporting the millions of foreign nationals residing in the Gulf region, the visa is also going to simplify travel for international tourists. Keep an eye out for more updates.