The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced a landmark decision to introduce a unified tourist visa, enabling seamless travel across six member states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

According to GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi, the project is now in its final stages and will be rolled out on a trial basis by the end of 2025 before being fully implemented. A dedicated digital platform will soon be launched to handle applications.

The Schengen-style visa is expected to last between 30 and 90 days, easing travel for both Gulf residents and expatriates by eliminating the need to apply for separate visas for each country.

Officials say the initiative will not only save time and costs for travelers but also boost tourism, business, culture, and research exchanges across the region.

The move is widely seen as a step towards greater economic integration and a stronger collective Gulf economy.