Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially age-old the launch of its much-awaited Single Tourist Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, in the last quarter of 2025. This important initiative will allow travelers to visit all six GCC countries UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait with just one visa, similar to the European Schengen Visa. This step is predictable to give a main boost to the Gulf’s tourism manufacturing, making it calmer for tourists and business travelers to travel the region deprived of the hassle of smearing for manifold visas
Quick Information about GCC Single Tourist Visa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | GCC Grand Tourist Visa |
| Launch Date | Last Quarter of 2025 (Pilot Phase) |
| Full Implementation | Expected in 2026 (phase-wise rollout) |
| Countries Covered | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait |
| Visa Cost | Yet to be announced |
| Visa Duration | Yet to be announced |
| Application Method | Online + Embassy/Consulate offices |
What is the GCC Grand Tourist Visa?
The Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries is a unified visa system that allows travellers to travel crossways six Gulf countries with a single entry document. It will purpose abundant like Europe’s Schengen visa, firming Gulf cooperation and giving the region as one integrated tourism hub.
According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, this project is a “strategic milestone” that will attract lots of new visitors and make thousands of works in the travel and hospitality sector.
Why is the Single Tourist Visa Important?
The Gulf region is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the ecosphere. Until now, tourists had to smear for separate visas for each GCC country, which was laborious then costly. The new unified visa will solve this problem
Key Benefits:
- Easy Travel: Tourists can move freely between GCC countries.
- Boost to Tourism: Expected to attract more international travelers.
- Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs in hotels, airlines, and tour services.
- Economic Growth: Significant contribution to regional GDP.
- Support for Religious Tourism: Easier access for Hajj, Umrah, and other pilgrimages.
- Promotion of “Bleisure” Travel: Combination of business and leisure tourism.
Tourism Growth in the Gulf
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to benefit the most, as they already attract the highest number of visitors.
- In 2024, the UAE hosted 3.3 million tourists from GCC nations, which was 11% of all hotel guests.
- Saudi tourists: 1.9 million
- Oman tourists: 777,000
- Kuwait tourists: 381,000
- Bahrain tourists: 123,000
- Qatar tourists: 93,000
By September 2025, the UAE issued 39,546 commercial licenses in the tourism, hospitality, aviation, and travel services sectors a 275% increase compared to 2020.
This rapid growth shows the strong potential of the GCC Grand Tourist Visa in transforming the regional travel industry.
How Will the Visa Work?
Although the final cost and period are not yet proclaimed, the pilot phase will begin in late 2025, shadowed by full rollout in 2026.
Expected Process:
- Apply Online through official GCC portals or embassies.
- Submit Documents like passport, photographs, and travel insurance.
- Receive Unified Visa valid for all six countries.
- Travel Freely across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
FAQs –Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries
Which countries are included in the Single Tourist Visa?
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
When will it launch?
Pilot phase in last quarter of 2025; full rollout expected in 2026.
How much will it cost?
The exact visa fee has not yet been announced.
Can Pakistanis apply for this visa?
Yes, once officially launched, Pakistanis will be able to apply connected or through delegations.
What will be the duration of the visa?
Still under discussion; predictable to allow manifold entries inside a set period.
Conclusion
The Date Confirmed for Launch of Single Tourist Visa for 6 Gulf Countries 2025 is set to alteration the upcoming of travel in the Gulf. By allowing travel to six countries with one visa, it will brand tourism easier, cheaper, and more good-looking for millions of visitors, including Pakistanis.
This initiative not only strengthens regional unity but also unlocks new doors for business, leisure, and religious travel. If you’re preparation a Gulf trip in 2025 or beyond, this solitary pass will be your key to exploring the entire region deprived of hassle.
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