GCC Launches Schengen-Style ‘GCC Grand Tours’ Visa to Boost Regional Tourism

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce a Schengen-style visa next year, enabling travellers to explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman with a single application.

Single Visa Access to Six Gulf Countries

GCC Grand Tours’ new visa will allow visitors to move freely across the Gulf region for short stays of up to 90 days for citizens of 29 European countries, streamlining cross-border travel without the need to apply for separate visas for each country.

Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Gulf Cooperation Council countries are witnessing a historic transformation in their tourism sectors, with tourism emerging as a key economic pillar alongside oil and trade.”

Saudi Arabia Introduces World-First 'Visa by Profile' System

In a parallel development, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a world-first ‘Visa by Profile’ system. This innovative program enables tourist visas to be issued within minutes through digital integration with Visa credit cards, leveraging travellers’ credit scores to confirm financial solvency.

The initiative is scheduled to launch in 2026, with plans to expand as additional banks and credit card issuers join the collaboration. Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized the impact of this system, noting, “This signifies a substantial transformation in how nations promote mobility, featuring faster decisions, more efficient systems, and a seamless experience for travellers worldwide.”

GCC Tourism: A Unified Vision for Global Competitiveness

The GCC continues to drive tourism innovation, positioning the region as a premier global destination through unified policies, advanced digital systems, and collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing traveller experiences, such as the GCC Grand Tours Visa and Visa by Profile.