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A single-entry visa that permits visitors to enter six Gulf nations with a single permit is being introduced by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It will be valid for 30 to 90 days. A valid passport, a photo, travel information, and evidence of housing and financial support are required for online applications.
The visa was approved in November 2023 during a meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman. (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 3, 2025 03:07 IST
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to launch a new single-entry visa that will allow tourists to travel freely across six Gulf countries — the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi announced on Wednesday.
Al Budaiwi praised the teamwork amongst Gulf countries in making this idea a reality. "The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation," he said. According to him, this visa will help modernise travel in the region and will also bring more economic benefits by increasing tourism.
The visa was approved in November 2023 during a meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman. It is similar in concept to the European Schengen visa, which lets people travel across many European countries with a single permit.
HOW THE NEW VISA WILL WORK
Tourists will be able to visit all six GCC countries using just one visa.The visa will be available only for tourism and family visits.Applications will be made online through an official portal (yet to be announced).The visa is expected to be valid for 30 to 90 days.Visitors may have the option to select between access to a single country or multiple countries.It is expected to be more affordable and easier than applying for separate visas for each country.Jassem Al Budaiwi also said that the system will use the latest technologies and will match global security standards. "Involved parties are keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands," he added.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO APPLY
According to Gulf News, once the new GCC visa is officially launched, travellers will need to have a few things ready before applying. Most importantly, a valid passport that’s still good for at least six months will be needed. You'll also need a recent passport-sized photo and to fill out a short online form. To show where you’ll be staying, you might be asked to upload hotel bookings or an invitation letter from someone hosting you.
Travel insurance that covers medical needs will likely be required too, along with proof that you have enough money for your trip—like a bank statement. A return or onward ticket will also be needed to complete the application.
HOW TO APPLY FOR UNIFIED GCC TOURIST VISA
Applying for the visa should be simple. Everything will be done online through an official website, which the authorities will announce soon. You’ll just choose whether you want a visa for one country or all six, enter your travel details, upload your documents, pay the fee, and that’s it. Your visa will be sent straight to your email. You can either print it out or show it on your phone when you arrive at the airport.
Although the exact launch date has not yet been shared, GCC officials say the new visa will be introduced very soon.
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Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jul 3, 2025
