The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially green-lit a Q4 2026 pilot for a unified tourist visa that will allow travelers to visit all six Gulf states with a single visa - similar to Europe’s Schengen system.
What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The “GCC Grand Tours” visa is a unified tourist visa covering:
| Country | Capital |
|---|---|
| UAE | Abu Dhabi/Dubai |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh |
| Qatar | Doha |
| Bahrain | Manama |
| Kuwait | Kuwait City |
| Oman | Muscat |
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100-150 USD |
| Validity | 30-90 days |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry e-visa |
| Processing | 3-7 days |
| Delivery | Electronic (email) |
How It Will Work
- Single Application - Apply through a centralized portal (similar to Qatar’s Hayya platform)
- One Payment - Pay once for access to all 6 countries
- Status Tracking - Track application online
- Optional Add-ons - Inter-GCC rail tickets when trans-Gulf railway opens in 2027
Why This Matters for Indians
Currently, Indians need separate visas for each GCC country. Check our complete UAE visa guide for current requirements.
| Country | Current Visa | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | e-visa / Visa on arrival | ~₹7,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | e-visa | ~₹9,000 |
| Qatar | Visa on arrival | Free |
| Bahrain | e-visa | ~₹2,500 |
| Kuwait | Visa required | ~₹8,000 |
| Oman | e-visa | ~₹1,700 |
Total if visiting all 6: ~₹28,000+
With the unified visa at $100-150 (~₹8,500-12,500), travelers could save significantly on a multi-country Gulf trip. Use our visa fee calculator to compare costs.
Why the Delay Until Q4 2026?
The visa was originally planned for late 2025 but was pushed back to ensure:
- Full interoperability of border databases across all 6 countries
- Installation of next-generation biometric kiosks at major hubs (Dubai DXB, Riyadh King Khalid)
- Synchronization of immigration policies, security protocols, and digital systems
- Agreement on fee structures and revenue-sharing formulas
Officials confirm that immigration systems in all six states have now reached “full technical interoperability.”
Who Will Benefit?
- Tourists planning multi-country Gulf itineraries
- Expats in Saudi Arabia or UAE who want to explore neighboring countries
- Business travelers doing multi-market scouting trips
- Transit passengers connecting through Gulf hubs
Market Potential
The region’s four largest airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Saudia) carried nearly 150 million passengers last year, but only 70 million traveled within the Gulf - showing significant untapped demand for intra-GCC travel.
Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Technical interoperability achieved | 2025 |
| Biometric standards agreed | 2025 |
| Pilot phase begins | Q4 2026 |
| Trans-Gulf railway integration | 2027 |
What to Do Now
- Don’t wait - If you’re planning a Gulf trip in 2026, the unified visa may not be ready until late in the year
- Apply for individual visas - Continue applying for UAE visa and other country visas as needed
- Check our tools - Use the document checklist to prepare your application
- Watch for announcements - Official portal and application process details expected mid-2026
Planning a Dubai Trip Now?
While waiting for the GCC unified visa, you can still visit Dubai with the current UAE visa. Indians can get:
- 14-day visa: ~₹5,500
- 30-day visa: ~₹7,500
- 90-day visa: ~₹15,000
👉 Read our complete UAE Visa Guide for Indians for step-by-step application process, required documents, and tips.
We’ll update this page as more details emerge about eligibility, the application portal, and exact launch dates.
Source: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat
FAQ
Q: What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa? A: It is a Schengen-style unified tourist visa allowing travelers to visit all six GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) with a single application.
Q: When does the GCC Grand Tours Visa launch? A: The pilot phase begins Q4 2026, with full rollout expected after testing is complete.
Q: How much will the GCC unified visa cost for Indians? A: The visa is expected to cost ₹8,500-12,500 ($100-150) for 30-90 day stays, significantly cheaper than applying for six separate visas.
Q: How do Indians currently visit multiple Gulf countries? A: Currently, Indians need separate visas for each GCC country, costing approximately ₹28,000+ in total for all six countries.
Q: Will the GCC visa be available online? A: Yes, applications will be processed through a centralized online portal, similar to Qatar’s Hayya platform.