The long-awaited GCC Grand Tours Visa has faced a significant setback, with the launch now delayed until late 2026 instead of its original 2025 schedule. The visa, which was designed to streamline travel across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, has caused considerable anticipation, especially among holidaymakers, MICE delegates, and business travelers. Now, the delay is expected to have ripple effects across tourism, businesses, and the wider economy in the region. Here’s what you need to know about the new timeline and its impacts.
What Is the GCC Grand Tours Visa?
The GCC Grand Tours Visa was introduced with the goal of making travel easier within the six countries of the GCC: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The visa would have allowed visitors to enter one GCC country and then freely travel between all six member states for up to 30 days.
This simplified process was aimed at making regional travel more accessible, not only for tourists but also for MICE delegates (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and business travelers. By offering the ability to visit multiple countries with one visa, it was expected to boost cross-border tourism and business activities, enhancing the attractiveness of the region as a whole.
Why the Delay?
The delay in the launch of the GCC Grand Tours Visa has been attributed to a range of technical challenges. One of the main hurdles has been the difficulties in linking the immigration systems of the six countries. This cross-border coordination has proven to be more complex than initially anticipated.
In addition to the technical issues, data security has also been a significant concern. The need to standardize biometric systems, watch-lists, and fee payment processes across multiple jurisdictions has delayed progress. These measures are essential to ensure the safety and security of visitors as well as the efficiency of the visa system.
Despite the delay, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has projected that the visa, once implemented, could lengthen visitor stays by an average of three days. The department estimates that this extension would generate an additional US $50 billion in cross-border spending over the first five years of the program.
Impact on Tourism and Businesses
The delay in the GCC Grand Tours Visa poses challenges for both tourism operators and businesses. For tourism, the inability to introduce this simplified travel process could mean that regional travel remains fragmented, requiring multiple visa applications for different countries. This inefficiency could deter potential visitors from exploring multiple GCC countries in one trip.
Tourism professionals have voiced concerns over the impact of the delay. Many had hoped that the visa would encourage longer stays and greater spending across GCC countries. As a result of the postponement, the UAE and its neighbors may need to focus on alternate promotional strategies to maintain tourism growth while waiting for the visa system to be finalized.
Businesses, especially those in the corporate travel sector, will also be impacted by the delay. Many corporates currently rely on multiple e-visa portals and health insurance uploads for employees traveling across GCC countries. The new visa system promised to simplify this process, but businesses will now have to continue navigating the existing, cumbersome procedures for another few years.
The Positive Side of the Delay
While the delay might be seen as frustrating, it does offer certain advantages. For businesses, the extra time means they can better prepare for the introduction of the visa by updating booking systems, revising duty-of-care protocols, and adapting employee travel policies. This could ultimately lead to a smoother transition when the visa is finally launched.
For airlines and tour operators, the delay provides an opportunity to fine-tune their operations and ensure they are ready for the increased demand that will likely come once the visa system is in place. Experts have advised businesses with frequent intra-Gulf movements to rely on existing multi-entry visas until the new system is fully implemented by Q2 2026.
Support from UAE Stakeholders
The UAE, in particular, has been proactive in preparing for the eventual launch of the GCC Grand Tours Visa. Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, confirmed that the emirate is working to upgrade its Advance Passenger Information (API) system. This upgrade will allow the system to scan a single QR-coded visa at immigration e-gates and airline check-ins, making the visa process even more seamless.
Additionally, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is actively testing a blockchain-based watch-list exchange. This technology could become a core security layer for the entire region, ensuring that the GCC Grand Tours Visa is not only efficient but also safe and secure for travelers.
The Future of GCC Travel
Despite the setback, the introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa promises to be a game-changer for tourism in the Gulf region. Once launched, it will simplify travel, promote economic cooperation between GCC countries, and significantly enhance the tourism experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Tourism experts continue to express optimism about the potential of the GCC Grand Tours Visa to transform regional travel. In the meantime, businesses and tourism operators are advised to focus on preparing for the new system, ensuring that they are ready when the visa is finally rolled out.
Patience Is Key
The delay in the GCC Grand Tours Visa may be disappointing, but it is a temporary setback. Once the systems are fully integrated and the technical and security challenges are resolved, the visa will undoubtedly have a positive impact on tourism and business in the region. Travelers and businesses alike can look forward to a simpler, more efficient way to explore the diverse and rich cultures of the GCC countries.
For now, patience is key. In the coming years, the introduction of this visa will change the face of regional tourism, and the Gulf region will be better positioned to cater to the growing demand for seamless, cross-border travel.
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