Persian Gulf countries want to introduce their own “Schengen zone”

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are working on the implementation of the Unified GCC Visa. The new visa system will allow travelers to move easily between these countries without having to obtain separate visas for each country.

It has been initially announced that the system could be launched as early as the end of 2025, although the beginning of 2026 is also possible. Tourists will be able to choose between a single-country visa or a multi-country option, depending on their travel plans. The visa will be intended for tourism, short-term visits and family visits.

The entire application process will be conducted entirely online. Applicants will be required to provide personal details, passport information, travel plans (including place of residence), insurance, and onward travel tickets. The visa fee will be paid by credit or debit card through the official portal. Once the application is approved, the visa will be sent by email in electronic form.

Although the validity period of the visa has not yet been officially confirmed, a multiple-entry visa option is being considered. The introduction of the GCC Unified Visa will not adversely affect existing facilities for travelers who already enjoy visa-free travel to individual Council countries.

The planned reform is a major step towards increasing the tourist appeal of the entire Persian Gulf region. The new system is intended to eliminate unnecessary formalities, streamline travel planning, and pave the way for easier exploration of the cultural and natural diversity of the six Persian Gulf countries.