Saudi Minister Says Unified GCC Visa Expected Next Year

A unified GCC visa for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is on track for a 2026 rollout, according to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The announcement came during the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum held in Bahrain, where Al-Khateeb described the GCC visa as a result of sustained coordination among member states over the past four years.

The GCC unified visa, also known as the Gulf visa, aims to allow easier movement for travelers across the six GCC countries through a single travel permit. Al-Khateeb said the unified visa for GCC represents a key part of the region’s broader effort to expand tourism as a major contributor to the economy.

Speaking at the forum, he highlighted how tourism is gaining ground as an essential sector alongside traditional drivers such as trade and oil. He noted that the Gulf region offers unique advantages, including rich history, developed infrastructure, and a safe travel environment, all of which make it an attractive option for global visitors.

Al-Khateeb also addressed intra-GCC travel patterns. He stated that although major Gulf airlines had flown nearly 150 million passengers last year, less than half of those trips took place within the region. According to Al‑Khateeb, the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa could play a central role in closing that gap by encouraging citizens and visitors to explore neighboring GCC destinations more easily.

Public information shows that the forthcoming visa, often referred to as the Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours, is being modelled after Europe’s Schengen visa. Sources indicate that when the GCC tourist visa goes live, applicants will be able to apply fully online through a digital portal.