Middle East: how will the future unified tourist visa work?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to revolutionize tourism in the region with the long-awaited launch of its unified tourist visa. Often compared to the European Schengen visa, this new sesame will enable travelers to explore all six member countries - the GCC, the European Union and the United States. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - with a single travel authorization.

According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of the Economy of the United Arab Emirates, the technical hurdles have been cleared: member countries have agreed on biometric standards and the launch of a single digital portal to manage applications.

Here are the key details concerning launch date, eligibility and expected costs, according to the latest information available.

Launch by 2026

Initially scheduled for the end of 2025, the project has been postponed due to the technical complexity of harmonizing immigration and security systems between the six sovereign states.

• Pilot phase: Expected for end 2026. It could start with tests on specific corridors (such as between the Emirates and Bahrain).
• Full deployment : Planned once all biometric and security systems are interconnected, probably in early 2027, although the authorities maintain the target of 2026 for the official launch.

Who will benefit?

This “Grand Tours” visa is primarily designed for foreign visitors (tourists, business travelers) wishing to combine several destinations without the need for multiple individual visa applications.

THE eligibility criteria include :

• A valid passport (usually with at least 6 months' validity remaining).
• Travel documents (return ticket, accommodation reservation).
• Travel insurance covering all GCC countries (probable).

The entire procedure should be digitized via a centralized online application portal.

Cost and validity

Although the official price list has not yet been confirmed, the price of a visa is estimated at between 100 and 150 US dollars (around 90 to 140 euros). This rate would make it competitive with the cumulative cost of six separate visas.

As for the length of the stay, several options are on the table:

• A visa from 30 days (single or multiple entry).
• Possible extensions from 60 to 90 days for long stays.
• Potentially flexible validity depending on the purpose of the trip (tourism or business).

👉 This is our last news about the new unified electronic platform and one-stop shop.

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