Unified GCC Visa to Cut Costs, Simplify Gulf Travel for UAE Residents
<p>Travel across the Gulf region is about to become easier, faster, and cheaper for UAE residents. The upcoming <strong>Unified GCC Visa</strong>, which will allow travellers to visit all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries under a single permit, is set to transform regional mobility — and potentially save hundreds of dirhams in visa fees.</p><p>Currently, UAE residents who wish to travel around the GCC must apply separately for each country’s eVisa, each with its own cost, validity, and processing time. But once the Unified Visa system is launched, similar to Europe’s <strong>Schengen-style travel model</strong>, visitors will be able to move freely between Gulf countries without needing to apply multiple times.</p><h3>What Will the Unified GCC Visa Cost?</h3><p>Officials have indicated that the Unified GCC Visa will likely cost between <strong>$90 and $130 (Dh330–Dh480)</strong>, depending on whether travellers choose a single-country or a multi-entry version. The visa is expected to come in two types:</p><p><strong>Single-country visa:</strong> Valid for entry into one GCC nation.</p><p><strong>“GCC Grand Tour” visa:</strong> Allows multi-country access across the Gulf for 30 to 90 days.</p><p>While the multi-entry version may be more expensive, it will still offer significant savings compared to the current system, especially for frequent travellers or families planning to visit multiple destinations in one trip.</p><h3>What UAE Travellers Pay Now for GCC eVisas</h3><p>To understand the value of the upcoming Unified Visa, here’s a breakdown of <strong>current eVisa costs</strong> across the six GCC countries for UAE residents who are non-GCC nationals.</p><p><strong>Saudi Arabia:</strong><br>Saudi Arabia offers one of the most flexible eVisa systems in the region. The <strong>Saudi eVisa for GCC residents</strong> allows multiple entries over one year, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. However, it is also among the most expensive, costing <strong>SAR535 (Dh525)</strong>, which includes mandatory travel insurance. Travellers using agents may pay more due to additional service fees.</p><p><strong>Kuwait:</strong><br>Kuwait simplified travel rules for GCC residents in August 2025, allowing them to obtain a <strong>visa on arrival</strong> for a 30-day stay, provided their residency is valid for at least six months. While official costs vary, online applications typically cost <strong>Dh250 to Dh300</strong>.</p><p><strong>Oman:</strong><br>Oman remains the most affordable Gulf destination for UAE residents. The <strong>GCC Resident eVisa</strong>, available through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) portal, costs just <strong>OMR5 (Dh48)</strong> for a single-entry stay of up to 28 days. Travellers can also get visas on arrival at most land borders, making Oman the easiest and cheapest short-trip option.</p><p><strong>Qatar:</strong><br>For UAE residents who are not GCC nationals, <strong>Qatar’s eVisa</strong> costs around <strong>QAR100 (Dh100–105)</strong> for a single-entry permit valid for 30 days. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry, but most expatriates still require the eVisa.</p><p><strong>Bahrain:</strong><br>Bahrain’s <strong>eVisa pricing</strong> varies based on entry type and duration. A <strong>single-entry visa</strong> costs approximately <strong>BD29 (Dh284)</strong>, while a <strong>three-month multiple-entry visa</strong> costs <strong>BD77 (Dh756)</strong>. For those who travel frequently between the UAE and Bahrain, the multi-entry option offers better long-term value despite the higher upfront fee.</p><h3>Why Visa Costs Differ Across the GCC</h3><p>The variation in GCC visa fees is due to several factors — such as duration, number of entries, and inclusions like travel insurance or administrative costs. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s eVisa includes medical insurance, while Oman’s fee remains minimal due to simplified border policies.</p><p>In addition, processing charges and service fees from travel agencies can further increase costs for applicants who prefer not to use official government portals.</p><h3>Unified GCC Visa: A Cheaper and Smarter Option</h3><p>When compared to the current visa landscape, the <strong>Unified GCC Visa</strong> sits comfortably in the mid-range at <strong>Dh330–Dh480</strong>, yet offers far greater value. Instead of paying separate visa fees for each country — which can total over <strong>Dh1,500</strong> for visits to all six nations — travellers will only need to apply once.</p><p>This will particularly benefit:</p><p><strong>Business travellers</strong>, who frequently visit multiple Gulf markets.</p><p><strong>Families</strong>, planning regional holidays across Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.</p><p><strong>Tourists</strong>, seeking a seamless “GCC Grand Tour” experience.</p><p>The unified system also promises faster processing times, fewer paperwork requirements, and greater integration between immigration systems — marking a major milestone in regional cooperation.</p><h3>What’s Next?</h3><p>The exact launch date of the Unified GCC Visa has yet to be officially confirmed, but preparations are in advanced stages. Authorities across member countries are finalising digital systems, border integration, and common visa standards to ensure smooth implementation.</p><p>Until then, UAE residents can continue using existing eVisa portals for each country, with costs ranging from <strong>Dh48 in Oman to Dh756 in Bahrain</strong>.</p><p>Once the Unified Visa becomes available, it is expected to <strong>redefine Gulf travel</strong> — making weekend trips, family holidays, and regional business visits simpler, faster, and more affordable than ever before.</p><p>For millions of UAE residents, the dream of exploring the entire Gulf region on a single visa may soon become a convenient, cost-saving reality.</p>