A unified tourist visa for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is currently in its final technical and regulatory stage, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. Speaking on September 6, 2026, at the Security and History Dialogue conference in Riyadh, Albudaiwi confirmed that the project, which aims to facilitate seamless travel across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, has progressed beyond political approval.
- Backend coordination between passport authorities of all six nations is complete.
- The visa is designed to function as a Schengen-style multi-country permit exclusively for tourists and visitors.
- Ministry of External Affairs data indicates approximately 9.95 million Indians reside across the six GCC states.
According to reports from Okaz and the Saudi Gazette, backend coordination follows the initial approval by GCC Interior Ministers in Muscat in November 2023. The initiative is intended for tourism rather than for work or long-term residence.
The new visa will allow residents to host family members on a single permit for multi-country trips, eliminating the need for separate visas for each destination. Business travelers and employers will also benefit from a streamlined compliance process for regional hops. While the project is in its final phase, official details regarding the fee structure, exact validity, and portal access remain pending. Current industry briefings and trade reports suggest a validity period of 30 to 90 days with multi-entry capabilities. Circulated fee estimates range from USD 30 to USD 150, though these figures have not been finalized or gazetted. Prospective applicants are expected to eventually require passports valid for at least six months, travel insurance covering all six states, and proof of itinerary and accommodation.
Authorities emphasize that this permit does not replace employment visas, residency documents, or existing national security screening processes.
GCC officials advise the public to disregard unofficial price points or launch dates circulating on social media. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official government channels, including the GCC Secretariat, and the interior ministries or e-visa platforms of the respective member states for verified updates.
