Imagine unlocking the entire Arabian Gulf with a single visa. The highly anticipated Unified GCC Visa is set to transform regional travel, offering a “GCC Grand Tour” pass that will allow you to explore the rich cultures of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain seamlessly.
For UAE travellers, this means an end to the hassle and expense of applying for separate eVisas for each country. With an expected cost of Dh330 to Dh480, this unified permit is not just about convenience; it’s your key to a more connected and adventurous Gulf, simplifying business trips, family visits, and tourism across the region.
What is the Unified GCC Visa?
The Unified GCC Visa is a single travel permit that will allow tourists and business visitors to enter all GCC countries without the need for separate, nation-specific visas. Its primary goals are to:
- Boost regional tourism by simplifying itineraries that span multiple countries.
- Enhance business connectivity and mobility.
- Strengthen economic and cultural ties within the Gulf region.
Expected Cost & Validity of the Unified Visa
While official pricing is yet to be confirmed, estimates from regional authorities provide a reliable outlook:
| Visa Type | Expected Cost (AED) | Expected Validity | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Country Permit | AED 330 – 380 | ~30 days | 1 GCC Nation |
| Multi-Country “Grand Tour” | AED 400 – 480 | 60 – 90 days | All 6 GCC Nations |
Current eVisa Costs: A Country-by-Country Breakdown
For now, UAE residents must apply for visas individually. Here’s what travelers currently pay for eVisas to other GCC nations:
| Country | Visa Type | Current Cost (AED) | Validity & Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | GCC Resident eVisa | ~48 | 28 days, Single-entry |
| Qatar | Single-entry eVisa | ~105 | 30 days |
| Kuwait | Tourist Visa on Arrival | ~250 – 300 | 30 days |
| Saudi Arabia | Multiple-entry eVisa | ~525 | 1 year, 90 days/visit |
| Bahrain | Single-entry Visa | ~284 | Varies |
| Bahrain | Multiple-entry Visa | ~756 | 3 months |
Important Note: These costs are for non-GCC nationals who hold a valid UAE residence visa. GCC citizens enjoy visa-free travel within the bloc.
Comparative Analysis: Unified Visa vs. Current System
The value of the Unified Visa becomes clear when planning multi-country trips.
Scenario: A “Grand Tour” visiting Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait
- Under the Current System:
- Oman eVisa: AED 48
- Qatar eVisa: AED 105
- Kuwait Visa: AED 275 (approx.)
- Total Estimated Cost: AED 428
- Administrative Burden: Three separate applications, with varying requirements and processing times.
- Under the Unified GCC Visa:
- Total Estimated Cost: AED 400 – 480
- Administrative Burden: One single application for all three countries, plus the freedom to add Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE.
Conclusion: The Unified Visa is not necessarily about being the absolute cheapest option for a single-country visit. Instead, it offers unbeatable convenience and significant savings for travelers exploring two or more GCC nations.
Key Benefits for UAE Travellers
- Simplified Planning: One application replaces up to six, saving time and reducing paperwork.
- Spontaneous Travel: The multi-entry feature allows for flexible itineraries, enabling travelers to cross borders freely within the visa’s validity period.
- Cost-Effectiveness for Multi-Country Trips: It eliminates the cumulative cost of multiple single-country visas.
- Boost to Regional Tourism: It will encourage longer stays and more diverse travel experiences within the Gulf.
Conclusion
The Unified GCC Visa is poised to be a game-changer for travel within the Gulf region, marking a significant step towards regional integration. By consolidating multiple applications into a single, streamlined process, it will save travelers both time and money, particularly those visiting more than one country.
While the expected cost sits in the mid-range compared to current single-country eVisas, its true value lies in the unparalleled convenience and freedom it offers. Once launched, this visa will not only boost tourism and business mobility but also foster a deeper sense of connection across the GCC, opening up the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Gulf to explorers like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much will the Unified GCC Visa cost, and what will it cover?
The visa is expected to cost between $90 and $130 (Dh330 to Dh480). It will come in two main types: a cheaper single-country permit and a more expensive “GCC Grand Tour” multi-entry visa, valid for 30 to 90 days and covering all six GCC nations
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How does this cost compare to current eVisa prices?
The unified visa offers significant value for multi-country travel. Currently, single-country eVisas range from Dh48 for Oman to Dh756 for a multiple-entry Bahrain visa. If you plan to visit even two or three countries, the unified visa will likely be more cost-effective than applying for separate permits.
