Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi confirmed during the Security and History Dialogue in Riyadh on September 6, 2026, that the unified GCC Grand Tourist Visa is set to launch soon. This new update brings big changes for travelers across the region. Here are the key points to know:
- This initiative is modeled after Europe’s Schengen system.
- It will allow foreign tourists to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman on a single permit.
- An official launch date, fee structure, validity period, and application process are yet to be finalized.
- The project is currently in its final technical and regulatory stages.
The timeline of approvals includes unanimous support from GCC tourism ministers in October 2023 and interior ministers in November 2023.
In June 2025, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed the visa's approval, noting that implementation rests with the respective interior ministries. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb previously identified 2026 as the target launch year.
The visa is designed to simplify travel by allowing tourists to visit multiple destinations, such as Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Muscat, through a single online application.
This development is expected to benefit Indian and South Asian expatriates by reducing the need for separate visa fees, embassy visits, and documentation for family visits and multi-country travel. Economically, the move is anticipated to boost hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors, which heavily rely on Indian labor.
Authorities have clarified that this tourist visa will not impact existing work visas, family sponsorship salary requirements, or national labor policies like Omanisation, Nitaqat, and Emiratisation. Resident iqama and Emirates ID regulations remain separate, and security checks will continue to be enforced at all borders despite the unified paperwork. This report aligns with updates from sources including Khaleej Times, Zawya, Siasat, Times Kuwait, and various social media platforms as of September 8-10, 2026.
