Unified Gulf Tourist Visa Expected by End of 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is moving closer to launching a unified Gulf tourist visa by the end of 2025.

In a recent joint press conference held after the 164th Ministerial Council session in Kuwait, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi confirmed that technical preparations for the visa have reached an advanced stage.

Al-Budaiwi noted that the unified visa project remains a key priority under the broader effort to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration. He expressed optimism that final approval will be granted before the year concludes. 

The visa aims to ease travel between GCC countries for tourists and is expected to boost regional tourism and economic activity.

The ministerial meeting, chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, focused on political, economic, and security cooperation among member states. While various regional and international matters were discussed, the unified visa was highlighted as one of the major developments in the push for joint Gulf action.

The meeting also reviewed progress in other areas of Gulf integration, including trade, economic diversification, and unified financial policies. Al-Budaiwi described the session as a significant step toward improving coordination between GCC countries and aligning their policies to benefit Gulf citizens.

The unified tourist visa is set to allow easier access across the six GCC nations under one permit. It is expected to help visitors explore the region more freely and improve coordination across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Further updates are expected later this year as preparations continue.