GCC nations to launch unified tourist visa for six countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is moving toward the implementation of a unified tourist visa system designed to streamline travel across its six member nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

During the 10th GCC Ministerial Meeting for Tourism Officials held in Manama, Bahrain, ministers discussed accelerating the activation of this unified visa and developing joint tourism packages and promotional campaigns. The initiative, often referred to as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, aims to allow travelers to apply through a single digital platform for multiple entries over an extended period, facilitating easier cross-border movement.

Oman has called for more integrated and measurable tourism initiatives to improve the region's competitiveness in international markets. Additionally, officials highlighted regional tourism milestones, such as Doha being named the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2026 and the Jabal Akhdar region in Oman being designated as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2027.