GCC Unified Visa 2026 Official Launch Date and Pilot Phase Updates

The Middle East is on the brink of a travel revolution. Often called the Gulf Schengen, the new GCC Grand Tours Visa is set to change how we explore the region. Imagine visiting the futuristic skyline of Dubai, the historic sites of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, and the serene mountains of Oman—all with just one digital permit.

While we wait for the full rollout, here is the latest update on the 2026 roadmap and what you need to know.

What Exactly Is the GCC Unified Visa?

In simple terms, it’s a single tourist permit that grants you access to all six GCC member states:

1. Saudi Arabia
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
3. Qatar
4. Bahrain
5. Kuwait
6. Oman

Branded officially as the “GCC Grand Tours” visa, it’s designed for tourists and family visits. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making travel cheaper by replacing six separate visa fees with one.

The 2026 Pilot Phase Roadmap

After some technical fine-tuning in 2025, officials have confirmed that the system will go live in stages. The goal is to ensure that immigration databases across all six nations “talk” to each other perfectly.

• Q1-Q2 2026: Final testing of the Unified Digital Portal (modeled after the successful Hayya platform).
• Q3 2026: Installation of biometric kiosks at major airports like DXB (Dubai) and RUH (Riyadh).
• Q4 2026: The Live Pilot Phase begins. This will likely start with a “travel corridor” between the UAE and Bahrain before expanding.

Key Features at a Glance

Based on current government guidance, here is what travelers can expect from the new system.

Mandatory Application Requirements

To have a quick approval of your application when the portal becomes available, you will need:

• A valid passport: Needs to be at least 6 months valid
• Unified insurance policy: Which covers hospitalization/doctor visit expenses for medical emergencies in all of the 6 GCC countries
• Confirmed Travel Plans: You may need to show proof of return flight.
• Digital biometrics: most applications will require either a digital image at the time of the first port of entry or possibly fingerprints at the time of entry.

At this stage of traveling to the Emirates, it’s best that you go ahead and continue to apply for a standard visit visa as normal, since currently the unified system will be going through the backend process only. Therefore, please have your unique entry permits with you when traveling before the end of 2026.