What is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Unified Visa for GCC Residents?
The GCC Grand Tours Visa is a new visa for free movement across all member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with only a single visa application. The goal of this visa is to strengthen the tourism sector and diversify the GCC’s economy to not mainly rely on oil. It will enable tourists to visit the GCC, including all 6 member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar) easily, freely, and cost-effectively.
Similar to the Schengen-style visa applied in Europe, current updates suggest that the GCC visa will be valid for tourism purposes and for visiting family, it is expected to be a multiple-entry visa and to allow stays between 30-90 days. All applications will likely be completed online, where travellers can choose between a single-country visa or a multiple-country visa.
Aside from the benefits to travellers, the GCC visa aims to boost economic growth through tourism in the region, with the Gulf Cooperation Council expecting to see an increase in spending and revenues across the hospitality, airline, and general tourism sectors.
The GCC approved the unified GCC tourist visa in Oman in 2023 and is expected to be available for issuance by the end of 2025.
What the GCC Grand Tours Visa Offers to Current GCC Residents
So, what do GCC residents need a visa for? For current non-national residents of GCC nations, having a unified visa unlocks a world of opportunities, making the Gulf region an easier and more rewarding place to live.
Easy country-to-country travel
Visa holders can travel freely between the six nations, without having to apply for separate visas for each country. For non-national residents and tourists, this means more time exploring the region and less time dealing with red tape and visa paperwork.
Cost-effective travel
Travelers only need to obtain one visa to travel across the GCC. This makes travelling throughout the region more cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for multiple visa applications and fees.
More tourism opportunities
With a unified visa, non-national residents based in one GCC country can easily venture across borders for holidays and getaways. It’s also possible for international tourists to make the most of their trip to the GCC by experiencing multiple destinations on a single visit.
Eligibility of GCC Residents for the GCC Unified Visa
Since the GCC visa isn’t officially announced, precise eligibility requirements have not been fully confirmed. However, it is likely that GCC residents, especially those who are already eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival, will be eligible for the GCC Unified Visa, provided that they meet specific criteria. Below are the likely GCC visa application requirements you may need to meet:
- A valid passport (valid 6 months from travel date)
- An active residency permit from any of the six nations
- A clean legal and immigration record
If you don’t meet these eligibility criteria, there may be other options for your trip, such as a standard visitor visa to visit the GCC countries for tourism individually or an Umrah visa for GCC residents planning religious travel to Saudi Arabia.
Required Documents for a GCC Visa Application
To guarantee a smooth visa application process and facilitate travel plans for GCC residents, certain documents are expected to be required:
How to Apply for the GCC Unified Visa for GCC Residents: A 4-Step Guide
The application process for GCC residents to obtain a GCC Grand Tours Visa will likely be easy and entirely online. Here are the four steps applicants may need to complete.
How to Apply for the GCC Unified Visa for GCC Residents: A 4-Step Guide
The application process for GCC residents to obtain a GCC Grand Tours Visa will likely be easy and entirely online. Here are the four steps applicants may need to complete.
1
Fill Out the Online Application Form
You’ll be expected to fill out the visa form online, entering your personal information and information about your residency, reasons for travel, and financial documents. Keep your passport on hand so that you can fill out the form quickly and accurately.
2
Upload Documentation
Now, you will need to upload the requested supporting documents for your visa, like a copy of your passport and a recent personal photo; these must be in the proper electronic format to allow easy verification.
3
Double-Check Your Application
Now that the central part of your GCC Visa application is complete, we recommend reviewing it one more time to confirm that all the documents and details entered are accurate. Any minor errors in your input process could result in your application being rejected.
4
Pay the Fee
Use a valid method of payment to pay any GCC unified visa fees for GCC residents. Once those fees have been paid, your application will be processed.
Processing times can vary depending on the ingestion and technical details of each GCC Grand Tours visa application. The process can be expected to take between 3 working days and a week, and the application decision should be sent to your email provided in the application.
Visa Validity, Duration of Stay, and Extension Options
Once residents obtain their unified visa for GCC countries, it will likely allow stays of 30 to 90 days. The visa is also expected to be a multiple-entry visa.
Residents will likely be able to stay in any of the agreed countries for the allowed period of stay, but must return to their residence before their visa expires.
This new visa by the GCC will offer two different options: one that allows travel to all six countries within the Gulf, and the other that allows travel to just one. Travellers will likely need to disclose which option they require during the application process.
No information has yet been disclosed about renewal or extension. You will most likely need to apply for a new visa rather than extending it.
Fees and Payment Details for GCC Residents
As of right now, there is no information about the costs or fees involved in the GCC Grand Tours Visa application process, but it is expected to range between $90-130.
Payments using credit or debit cards, as well as some digital wallets (such as Google Pay and Apple Pay), are likely to be accepted for a Grand Tours Visa. Because the process is 100% online, applicants cannot pay with cash or cheque.
Common Mistakes GCC Residents Should Avoid When Applying
Many visa applications fall through as a result of ignoring finer details or inadequate preparation. Here are some mistakes for GCC residents to avoid when submitting their applications:
Incorrect documentation or input
Missing or inaccurate information, alongside inconsistencies between documents, can lead to a prolonged review process or the application being rejected.
Missing deadlines
Please allow ample time for the processing of your visa application. If you apply for a visa too close to your planned date of travel, you may encounter issues if the review process takes longer than expected, which could prevent you from travelling.
Lack of clear travel plan
You’re expected to provide proof of where you’re staying, when you’re travelling, and when you’re returning in your application process. Applicants without a clear travel plan may be viewed as suspicious, and their application may be denied.
Underestimating financial requirements
You may need to provide financial proof that you can sustain yourself on your travels, such as a bank statement. If you underestimate the amount of money you need for your trip and the authorities determine that you don’t have sufficient funds to cover expenses, your application may be denied.
Travel Tips for GCC Residents Using the Unified Visa
Are you a current GCC resident planning to use the unified GCC visa scheme to travel across the Gulf region? Consider the following tips for smooth, enjoyable travel.
- Buy travel insurance Always be insured when you travel; you never know what issues may arise. Travel insurance ensures that you receive proper medical attention in the event of an emergency.
- Educate yourself on local laws and customs Each of the six nations within the GCC has slightly different rules and customs that residents and tourists are expected to abide by. Educate yourself on these before you travel to have the smoothest experience.
- Carry personal documents Anyone visiting these countries may be subject to checks, so it’s advisable to carry your documentation with you to expedite the process. Carrying your passport and visa information with you will inform authorities of your identity and confirm your authorization to be present.
A New Era for Travel Across the GCC
The introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa is an incredible milestone for the Gulf region, giving non-nationals and residents, and tourists the opportunity to fully embrace and experience everything the GCC has to offer.
If you are a current GCC resident planning to apply for this new visa, now is the time to get prepared. Gather all your documents, make sure your passport and permits are up to date, keep up to date with GCC visa news, and familiarize yourself with the application process so you’ll be all set to travel!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Unified GCC Grand Tourist Visa allows for free movement throughout all six member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Yes. The GCC Unified Visa Scheme is open to non-national residents and tourists mainly for the purposes of tourism and visiting family. However, the eligible nationalities have not yet been announced.
You can apply, but there is a high risk that your application will be rejected. You should only apply for the GCC Unified Visa if your passport is valid for at least another six months from the time of application.
The cost of the GCC Unified Visa is not officially published yet. However, it is expected to range between $90-130 for both residents and tourists.
No. The entire application process for the GCC Unified Visa is carried out online. There is currently no requirement to attend a physical embassy or mission to obtain your GCC Grand Tours visa.