GCC unveils major visa reforms in 2025 to enhance travel, tourism, and economic integration
DUBAI, UAE, June 21: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, has long been recognized as a key economic bloc with forward-thinking policies that attract international visitors and enhance regional connectivity. In 2025, the GCC is witnessing a transformative shift in its travel and tourism sector through a series of groundbreaking visa reforms aimed at simplifying entry procedures, increasing tourism flows, and promoting greater regional integration.
The visa reforms introduced across GCC member states this year include unified tourist permits and streamlined visa processes for expatriates and tourists alike. These measures are poised to redefine the travel experience across the Gulf, benefiting both visitors and the local economies of member nations.
Unified GCC tourist visa introduced: A landmark reform
Among the most significant developments of 2025 is the launch of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa. This revolutionary policy enables travelers to visit all six GCC countries using a single permit—mirroring the Schengen visa system in Europe.
In the past, tourists needed to apply for individual visas for each GCC nation, a process often seen as cumbersome and costly. The new unified visa facilitates smooth cross-border travel, encouraging tourism and closer cooperation between member states. It is expected to stimulate both leisure and business travel throughout the Gulf.
Key features:
Single Visa for All Six GCC Nations: Tourists can now access the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait using a unified visa.n
Stronger Regional Connectivity: The visa eases movement between member states, increasing the Gulf's attractiveness to global travelers.n
Simplified Digital Process: Available online, the application process is user-friendly and efficient.n
This development marks a milestone for regional tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the entire Gulf on a single trip.
UAE: Expanding access through innovative reforms
As a longstanding leader in tourism and travel innovation, the United Arab Emirates is playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the new visa policies. The country's adoption of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa is part of a broader initiative to make international travel more seamless.
Additional UAE visa updates:
Entry Visas for GCC Residents: Expatriates residing in other GCC countries can now apply for UAE entry visas independently, without needing a local sponsor. Required documentation includes proof of residence, a valid passport, and supporting materials.n
Multiple-Entry eVisas for Expats: A newly introduced eVisa allows expatriates in the GCC to enter the UAE multiple times over the span of a year without having to reapply.n
These updates are designed to strengthen the UAE's position as one of the top destinations in the region for both tourists and business travelers.
Saudi Arabia: Reforms cater to business and religious tourism
Saudi Arabia has also rolled out major changes in 2025 to attract both religious pilgrims and business travelers. The nation's visa policies now provide greater flexibility and oversight for visitors from across the region.
Key Saudi reforms:
Multiple-Entry eVisa for GCC Expats: Expatriates residing in other GCC nations can now apply for a visa that allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, easing travel for business and family visits.n
Mandatory Hotel Bookings for Umrah Visa Applicants: Pilgrims must now present confirmed accommodations via official platforms when applying for an Umrah visa. This step is aimed at improving logistical planning and avoiding peak-season overbookings.n
These steps are expected to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide while boosting the kingdom's appeal for other forms of tourism.
Oman: Welcoming the world with visa-free entry
In a bold move, Oman has expanded its visa-free entry policy in 2025, granting citizens of 103 countries—including most of Europe—14 days of visa-free access.
Policy Highlights:
14-Day Visa-Free Stay: Citizens from eligible countries can enter Oman without a visa for up to two weeks, enabling more spontaneous and short-term travel.n
Tourism Promotion Strategy: This initiative forms part of Oman's broader plan to grow its tourism infrastructure and diversify its economy.n
Oman's relaxed visa rules are expected to attract a new wave of international travelers, particularly those seeking short getaways in the Middle East.
Qatar: Enhancing regional travel through unified visa
Qatar has joined the GCC-wide visa initiative in 2025, granting tourists access to the full range of Gulf countries under the new unified visa system.
Qatar's visa enhancements include:
Adoption of Unified GCC Tourist Visa: Tourists can now include Qatar in their Gulf travel itinerary with a single entry permit.n
Promotion of Local Attractions: Qatar anticipates a rise in tourism thanks to easier access to its museums, luxury resorts, and natural beauty.n
As part of its national vision, Qatar aims to make itself more appealing to cultural, adventure, and high-end tourism markets.
Bahrain: Supporting seamless Gulf travel
Bahrain has embraced the Unified GCC Tourist Visa alongside its regional partners, offering easier travel across borders and helping to unify the Gulf as a tourism hub.
Visa Policy Updates:
Unified GCC Access: Bahrain is now fully integrated into the regional visa system.n
Support for Business and Leisure Travel: The new framework supports Bahrain's ambition to become a nexus for commerce and culture in the Gulf.n
With its mix of historic charm and modern appeal, Bahrain stands to benefit significantly from the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals.
Kuwait: Streamlining the work permit system
Unlike its neighbors' focus on tourism, Kuwait has introduced a major update to its work visa policy in 2025, affecting expatriates across all sectors.
Details of the reform:
Standardized Work Permit Fees: Kuwait now imposes a unified fee of KD150 for all work permit transfers, abolishing previous exemptions that led to inconsistencies.n
Implications for Employers and Workers: This policy is intended to simplify administrative processes and enhance oversight across the labor market.n
Though the change may pose initial challenges for some workers, it represents a strategic effort to bring more uniformity and efficiency to Kuwait's employment system.
Toward a new era of GCC travel
Collectively, the visa reforms enacted across the GCC in 2025 signify a strong commitment to regional cooperation and economic diversification through tourism. From the unprecedented rollout of a unified tourist visa to improvements in entry procedures for expatriates, these changes are designed to support sustainable growth and global accessibility.
GCC member states are positioning themselves as major players in the international travel industry by:
Offering simplified, digital visa processes.n
Promoting multi-country tourism packages.n
Facilitating religious, business, and leisure travel.n
For prospective travelers, staying informed about each country's specific visa requirements remains essential. However, the new visa landscape opens a wide array of opportunities for global tourists, expatriates, and regional stakeholders alike.
With the Gulf now more connected and accessible than ever, 2025 marks a pivotal year in redefining how the world experiences travel in the Middle East.
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Arab Times
6 hours ago
- Arab Times
GCC unveils major visa reforms in 2025 to enhance travel, tourism, and economic integration
DUBAI, UAE, June 21: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, has long been recognized as a key economic bloc with forward-thinking policies that attract international visitors and enhance regional connectivity. In 2025, the GCC is witnessing a transformative shift in its travel and tourism sector through a series of groundbreaking visa reforms aimed at simplifying entry procedures, increasing tourism flows, and promoting greater regional integration. The visa reforms introduced across GCC member states this year include unified tourist permits and streamlined visa processes for expatriates and tourists alike. These measures are poised to redefine the travel experience across the Gulf, benefiting both visitors and the local economies of member nations. Unified GCC tourist visa introduced: A landmark reform Among the most significant developments of 2025 is the launch of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa. This revolutionary policy enables travelers to visit all six GCC countries using a single permit—mirroring the Schengen visa system in Europe. In the past, tourists needed to apply for individual visas for each GCC nation, a process often seen as cumbersome and costly. The new unified visa facilitates smooth cross-border travel, encouraging tourism and closer cooperation between member states. It is expected to stimulate both leisure and business travel throughout the Gulf. Key features: Single Visa for All Six GCC Nations: Tourists can now access the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait using a unified visa.n Stronger Regional Connectivity: The visa eases movement between member states, increasing the Gulf's attractiveness to global travelers.n Simplified Digital Process: Available online, the application process is user-friendly and efficient.n This development marks a milestone for regional tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the entire Gulf on a single trip. UAE: Expanding access through innovative reforms As a longstanding leader in tourism and travel innovation, the United Arab Emirates is playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the new visa policies. The country's adoption of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa is part of a broader initiative to make international travel more seamless. Additional UAE visa updates: Entry Visas for GCC Residents: Expatriates residing in other GCC countries can now apply for UAE entry visas independently, without needing a local sponsor. Required documentation includes proof of residence, a valid passport, and supporting materials.n Multiple-Entry eVisas for Expats: A newly introduced eVisa allows expatriates in the GCC to enter the UAE multiple times over the span of a year without having to reapply.n These updates are designed to strengthen the UAE's position as one of the top destinations in the region for both tourists and business travelers. Saudi Arabia: Reforms cater to business and religious tourism Saudi Arabia has also rolled out major changes in 2025 to attract both religious pilgrims and business travelers. The nation's visa policies now provide greater flexibility and oversight for visitors from across the region. Key Saudi reforms: Multiple-Entry eVisa for GCC Expats: Expatriates residing in other GCC nations can now apply for a visa that allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, easing travel for business and family visits.n Mandatory Hotel Bookings for Umrah Visa Applicants: Pilgrims must now present confirmed accommodations via official platforms when applying for an Umrah visa. This step is aimed at improving logistical planning and avoiding peak-season overbookings.n These steps are expected to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide while boosting the kingdom's appeal for other forms of tourism. Oman: Welcoming the world with visa-free entry In a bold move, Oman has expanded its visa-free entry policy in 2025, granting citizens of 103 countries—including most of Europe—14 days of visa-free access. Policy Highlights: 14-Day Visa-Free Stay: Citizens from eligible countries can enter Oman without a visa for up to two weeks, enabling more spontaneous and short-term travel.n Tourism Promotion Strategy: This initiative forms part of Oman's broader plan to grow its tourism infrastructure and diversify its economy.n Oman's relaxed visa rules are expected to attract a new wave of international travelers, particularly those seeking short getaways in the Middle East. Qatar: Enhancing regional travel through unified visa Qatar has joined the GCC-wide visa initiative in 2025, granting tourists access to the full range of Gulf countries under the new unified visa system. Qatar's visa enhancements include: Adoption of Unified GCC Tourist Visa: Tourists can now include Qatar in their Gulf travel itinerary with a single entry permit.n Promotion of Local Attractions: Qatar anticipates a rise in tourism thanks to easier access to its museums, luxury resorts, and natural beauty.n As part of its national vision, Qatar aims to make itself more appealing to cultural, adventure, and high-end tourism markets. Bahrain: Supporting seamless Gulf travel Bahrain has embraced the Unified GCC Tourist Visa alongside its regional partners, offering easier travel across borders and helping to unify the Gulf as a tourism hub. Visa Policy Updates: Unified GCC Access: Bahrain is now fully integrated into the regional visa system.n Support for Business and Leisure Travel: The new framework supports Bahrain's ambition to become a nexus for commerce and culture in the Gulf.n With its mix of historic charm and modern appeal, Bahrain stands to benefit significantly from the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals. Kuwait: Streamlining the work permit system Unlike its neighbors' focus on tourism, Kuwait has introduced a major update to its work visa policy in 2025, affecting expatriates across all sectors. Details of the reform: Standardized Work Permit Fees: Kuwait now imposes a unified fee of KD150 for all work permit transfers, abolishing previous exemptions that led to inconsistencies.n Implications for Employers and Workers: This policy is intended to simplify administrative processes and enhance oversight across the labor market.n Though the change may pose initial challenges for some workers, it represents a strategic effort to bring more uniformity and efficiency to Kuwait's employment system. Toward a new era of GCC travel Collectively, the visa reforms enacted across the GCC in 2025 signify a strong commitment to regional cooperation and economic diversification through tourism. From the unprecedented rollout of a unified tourist visa to improvements in entry procedures for expatriates, these changes are designed to support sustainable growth and global accessibility. GCC member states are positioning themselves as major players in the international travel industry by: Offering simplified, digital visa processes.n Promoting multi-country tourism packages.n Facilitating religious, business, and leisure travel.n For prospective travelers, staying informed about each country's specific visa requirements remains essential. However, the new visa landscape opens a wide array of opportunities for global tourists, expatriates, and regional stakeholders alike. With the Gulf now more connected and accessible than ever, 2025 marks a pivotal year in redefining how the world experiences travel in the Middle East.
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VisitBritain promotes UK diverse summer tourism beyond London - Faten Omar,
162,000 Kuwaitis visited UK in 2024, a 6 percent increase from 2023 KUWAIT: In collaboration with the British Embassy in Kuwait, Britain's national tourism agency, VisitBritain, organized a special afternoon tea event on Tuesday aimed at promoting the UK's diverse summer tourism experiences beyond London. During her opening remarks, British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis emphasized the importance of strengthening the close ties between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, noting the growing interest among Kuwaiti travelers in exploring the UK's home nations. Ambassador Lewis added that Kuwaitis made 162,000 visits to the UK in 2024, a 6 percent increase from 2023 — with an average spend of £2,641 per person. The Gulf region ranks as the UK's tenth-largest inbound market, and Kuwait is projected to have the third-highest visitor spend among GCC countries in 2025. The ambassador highlighted the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme as a major driver of this growth, explaining that Kuwaitis made 148,854 applications between February 2024 and March 2025 - the second highest in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia. British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis speaks at the event. Mirna Tamimi, Visit Britain's GCC Communications Manager speaks about the campaign. She also emphasized the Embassy's support for initiatives that showcase the UK's rich and diverse experiences, saying, 'We are delighted to welcome VisitBritain and media partners to the British Embassy today. As the long-standing bonds between the UK and Kuwait continue to strengthen, I am glad to see ever more Kuwaiti travelers choosing to visit the UK.' The event introduced VisitBritain's latest global campaign, Starring GREAT Britain, which taps into the rising trend of 'set-jetting' - visiting locations featured in popular films and TV series. The campaign invites travelers to discover iconic filming sites across England, Scotland and Wales. For her part, Mirna Tamimi, VisitBritain's GCC Communications Manager, showcased major events taking place this summer, including world-class sporting moments such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Wimbledon tennis tournament; Bath's festivities marking 250 years since the birth of renowned author Jane Austen; and the Liverpool Biennial, the UK's largest contemporary art festival. She also emphasized the ease of travel both to and within the UK, with 18 direct flights per week from Kuwait City to London and Manchester, and over 2,500 train stations connecting Britain's towns and cities. In his turn, Gary Robson, VisitBritain Director for Europe, Middle East & India, emphasized the importance of the Kuwaiti market, stating, 'Our collaboration with the British Embassy Kuwait helps us deepen ties in this key GCC region. We are working closely with local influencers and travel trade partners to inspire travel beyond London.' He added, 'Our culturally relevant campaigns, delivered in English and Arabic, are tailored to resonate locally through popular platforms such as Snapchat, which plays a key role in our engagement strategy across Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.'
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Kuwait facilitates the transit of thousands stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: In response to escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 30,000 travelers stranded due to suspended air traffic. Since last Friday, these travelers — many of different nationalities — have entered Kuwait through the Abdali border crossing, with numbers continuing to rise. According to security sources cited by Al-Rai, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is actively working to facilitate the entry and return of stranded individuals. The operation includes Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and Arab, European, and Asian citizens who have been unable to leave Iran or Iraq due to halted air travel. A structured mechanism has been implemented, allowing travelers to cross from Iran's Shalamcheh port into Iraq, then through the Safwan and Abdali land ports, and onwards to their home countries via Kuwait International Airport or through Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border crossings. For humanitarian purposes, Minister Al-Yousef has authorized a seven-day transit visa for GCC residents holding valid travel tickets, enabling them to pass through Kuwait. Additionally, some European citizens have been granted special entry to facilitate their return via the airport. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani has also instructed that all humanitarian services be extended to support the safe and efficient movement of stranded travelers. The Abdali crossing has become a hub of logistical activity, with border and customs officials operating around the clock. Coordination is underway with GCC embassies to evacuate citizens before they arrive at Abdali. The Kuwaiti government has deployed approximately 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan crossing to Abdali, streamlining their onward transit. 'All relevant personnel are working at full capacity,' the sources confirmed, 'to ensure travelers can safely and easily reach their destinations with the support and care they need.' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the 'safe and speedy' return of Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran. In an interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Al-Yahya emphasized that no injuries or infections among nationals have been reported since Israel began a major military campaign against Iran last Friday. 'The safety of our citizens abroad is our top priority,' he said. 'We have begun tallying Kuwaiti nationals in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, and are arranging their evacuation through the closest exit points.' Evacuations are being coordinated through land crossings into Iraq, with citizens transported back to Kuwait via secure routes. Additional efforts include moving groups through Turkmenistan and its capital to arrange further repatriation. Al-Yahya noted ongoing coordination with neighboring states to ensure smooth passage and expressed hope for the safe return of all citizens. He also highlighted Kuwait's role, as current chair of the GCC, in convening a virtual ministerial meeting last Saturday. The meeting concluded with a joint statement condemning the Israeli military operations and urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Kuwait is also monitoring potential radioactive fallout as a precaution, with current indicators remaining stable. Regarding consular support, Al-Yahya said Kuwait's diplomatic mission in Tehran is active, while other GCC countries operate additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. This Gulf-wide coordination is ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens across affected areas. 'We operate as a unified team,' he concluded, 'providing direct support to Gulf nationals wherever they are.'
