The Gulf Cooperation Council has announced a game-changing development for Indian travelers: a Schengen-style unified tourist visa that will allow entry to all six GCC member countries with a single application. This revolutionary system promises to transform how Indians explore the Gulf region.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | Pilot phases late 2026, full rollout by end 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | All international tourists including Indian passport holders |
| Key Change | Single online application replaces six separate visa processes |
Revolutionary Change for Gulf Travel
Gone are the days when visiting Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh required juggling multiple visa applications. The new unified system will cover the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman through one streamlined digital process.
For Indian travelers who frequently visit the Gulf for business or leisure, this represents massive time and cost savings. Currently, obtaining visas for multiple Gulf countries can cost upwards of ₹15,000-₹20,000 and involve weeks of processing across different consulates.
Digital-First Application Process
The entire application will be completed online through a dedicated portal, eliminating embassy visits entirely. Indian applicants will need standard documentation including:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent digital photograph
- Comprehensive travel itinerary covering intended GCC countries
- Confirmed hotel bookings across destinations
- Return flight tickets
- Mandatory travel insurance coverage
- Bank statements proving financial capability
Indian travelers planning Gulf tours should familiarize themselves with digital visa processes, similar to those outlined in our UAE Visa Guide, which already offers streamlined online applications.
Timeline and Expectations
While official launch details remain under finalization, government sources indicate pilot testing will begin in late 2026. The system aims to process applications faster than current individual country processes, potentially reducing waiting times for Indian applicants significantly.
Travel industry experts anticipate this will boost Gulf tourism substantially, making multi-country itineraries more accessible to Indian families and business travelers. For comprehensive travel planning tools, Indian applicants can utilize our Document Checklist to ensure complete applications.
Source: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat
FAQ
Q: Which countries are covered under the GCC Unified Visa? A: The visa covers all six GCC member countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Q: When will the GCC Unified Visa be available for Indian travelers? A: Pilot phases are expected later in 2026, with full rollout anticipated by late 2026.
Q: How much will the GCC Unified Visa cost for Indians? A: Official fees haven’t been announced yet, but expect pricing similar to current Gulf visa rates, likely between ₹5,000-₹8,000.
Q: Do I need to visit an embassy to apply for the GCC Unified Visa? A: No, the entire application process will be 100% online through a dedicated portal - no embassy visits required.
Q: What documents are required for the GCC Unified Visa application? A: Key documents include valid passport, digital photo, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance, and bank statements.