How to Apply for the New GCC Unified Tourist Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the new visa system and the new visa wizard the travel environment of the Middle East is changing in a historic way. Being referred to more often than not as the Schengen of the Middle East, this program will enable the tourists to visit six countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman using a single permit.

Understanding the GCC Grand Tours Visa

The GCC Grand Tours Visa is designed to simplify regional travel, eliminating the need for separate applications for each country. This multi-entry permit is usually used to promote tourism and allows over 30 days of stay at any of the borders, allowing tourists to move across borders with ease. The system is currently being implemented in phases, and a single digital platform has made the process easier as of 2026. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

The issuance of this permit is entirely electronic. To achieve a successful application, do the following steps:

Documents Required for GCC Unified Tourist Visa

• You must have the following before entering the portal:
• Valid Passport: Should be valid with a minimum of 6 months.
• Photo on the computer: New passport sized picture with white background.
• Support of Finances: Bank statements indicating adequate financial resources.
• Itinerary of Travel: Information of accommodation and returning tickets.

Application Steps:

1. Register at the Unified Portal: Simply click on the official site of the GCC Unified Visa or mobile application (Kshaf or any of the official regional applications).
2. Sign Up: Sign up using your email and passport.
3. Complete the Form: Choose Grand Tours and provide your personal and travelling information.
4. Insert Documents: attaching the necessary files in a given format ( PDF / JPG ).
5. Pay the Fee: Pay the using an international credit/debit card.
6. Get Accepted: The e-visa is emailed to you after 3-7 days (as usual).

FAQs

1. Can I work with the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The visa permits only tourism and family visits. Employees need to obtain a work permit through two methods which require specific country sponsorship.

2. How much does the unified visa cost?
The estimated cost for 2026 currently stands between SAR 300 and SAR 500 which equals approximately $80 to $135. This option proves more affordable than obtaining six individual visas.

3. Is the visa valid for all nationalities?
The visa grants entry to most nationalities while the portal shows eligibility requirements. Citizens of countries with existing visa-free agreements may not need to apply.

4. What happens if my application is rejected?
The notification will explain your application rejection reasons to you. The document rejection process may occur because the provided documents lack clarity or the applicant has insufficient funds. You can re-apply after rectifying the errors.