Unified GCC Visa vs eVisa Costs: What UAE Travelers Need to Know
UAE residents will soon experience a revolutionary change in their Gulf region travel with the unified GCC visa. This single permit will allow visitors to freely move between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The new system takes inspiration from Europe’s Schengen visa and eliminates multiple visa applications.
UAE residents need separate eVisas to visit each GCC country at the time, which tends to get pricey and takes considerable time. The unified GCC visa will likely cost between $90 and $130 (Dh330–Dh480), based on type and duration. The authorities are finalizing requirements before launching the system, though no official start date exists yet. Travelers visiting multiple Gulf countries could save up to 30% compared to individual visas. The current system requires UAE residents to pay varying fees from Dh48 for Oman to Dh750 for Bahrain.
Unified GCC Visa Overview and Pricing
The GCC countries have launched a unified tourist visa called the “GCC Grand Tours Visa.” This single permit lets tourists and non-national residents travel freely between all six GCC countries. The system works like Europe’s Schengen model and allows smooth travel between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Travelers can pick between two types of visas. A basic single-country option suits short visits, while the complete “GCC Grand Tour” multi-entry visa works for 30 to 90 days. This setup makes regional travel much easier for everyone.
The visa’s cost ranges from AED 330.47 to AED 477.35, with multi-country passes costing more than single-country ones. These prices strike a balance with current eVisa rates.
The GCC ministers gave their full support to this project in 2023 as part of the “GCC 2030 Tourism Strategy”. The system’s pilot phase will start in late 2025.
A new digital platform will handle all applications. Travelers need to submit their passport details, travel plans, and proof of where they’ll stay. This modern approach shows the region’s push toward simplified tourism systems.
Current eVisa Costs Across GCC Countries
GCC nations run their own eVisa systems with different costs, validity periods, and entry rules for UAE travelers. These separate visa requirements will stay active until the unified GCC visa launches.
Saudi Arabia’s multiple-entry eVisa stands out as the most generous but costliest option at SAR 535 (AED 521). It lets travelers stay up to 90 days per visit and remains valid for a year. The fee covers mandatory travel insurance.
UAE residents find Oman’s visa the most affordable. A 28-day single-entry GCC Resident visa costs just OMR 5 (AED 48). Tourists who need longer stays can get a 30-day tourist visa for OMR 20 (AED 195).
Qatar charges QAR 100 (AED 100-105) for a single-entry 30-day stay. Bahrain’s fees change based on duration and entry type. Single-entry visas cost BD 29 (AED 284), while three-month multiple-entry permits cost BD 77 (AED 756).
Kuwait made its system simpler and now gives GCC residents 30-day tourist visas upon arrival. Online application fees range between AED 250-300.
The UAE’s tourist visas start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry option, plus 5% value-added tax. Express processing makes these costs higher.
Unified Visa vs eVisas: Cost, Convenience, and Flexibility
Image Source: Insurte
The upcoming unified GCC visa offers several advantages over current eVisas. Travelers planning to visit multiple Gulf countries will save money. They won’t need to pay for separate visas that cost between AED 48 to over AED 750. The new system needs just one payment—between AED 330.47 and AED 477.35.
The visa’s convenience makes it even better. Travelers can skip repetitive paperwork with an optimized digital application process. The system uses a single centralized platform instead of six different online systems.
The unified GCC visa comes with two options that give travelers more choices. They can pick either a single-country permit or the complete “GCC Grand Tour” multi-entry option. This lets travelers plan their regional trips based on what they need. The 30-90 day validity period gives enough time to visit multiple destinations.
UAE residents will find it easier to take weekend trips and business travel in the region. The visa works like a passport to the Gulf countries, similar to Europe’s Schengen system.
The unified visa creates the right balance with its multi-country access, reasonable pricing and simple processing. While it costs more than some single-country eVisas, it gives better value to people visiting multiple GCC nations.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Unified GCC Visa | Current Individual eVisas |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cost Range | AED 330.47 – 477.35 | Varies by country: – Oman: AED 48 (28-day) – Qatar: AED 100-105 (30-day) – UAE: AED 200 (30-day) – Kuwait: AED 250-300 – Saudi Arabia: AED 521 – Bahrain: AED 284-756 |
| Validity Options | 30-90 days | Varies by country: – Most common: 30 days – Saudi Arabia: 1 year – Bahrain: Up to 3 months |
| Entry Types | – Single-country option – Multi-country “GCC Grand Tour” | Varies by country (single or multiple entry depends on visa type) |
| Coverage | All 6 GCC countries under one permit | Each country requires separate access |
| Application Process | One digital platform | Different systems for each country |
| Cost Savings | Saves up to 30% on multi-country visits | N/A |
| Implementation Date | Pilot phase: Q4 2025 | Active now |
The new unified GCC visa will reshape the scene for UAE travelers who want to explore the Gulf region. This “GCC Grand Tours Visa” makes multiple applications unnecessary and lets people move freely between all six Gulf Cooperation Council nations. UAE residents deal with different visa requirements right now. These range from Oman’s budget-friendly AED 48 entry permit to Bahrain’s premium AED 756 multiple-entry option.
The unified visa’s price of AED 330-477 makes good sense and could help frequent regional travelers save up to 30% compared to individual permits. The two-tier structure gives people choices through single-country access or detailed multi-country exploration that stays valid for up to 90 days.
The unified visa system won’t launch until late 2025. GCC authorities have created a framework similar to Europe’s successful Schengen model. The digital platform will make the application process simple by replacing six different systems with one simplified experience.
UAE travelers should look at their travel plans carefully when choosing between individual eVisas and the unified permit. The comprehensive “GCC Grand Tours” option works best for people planning multi-country Gulf trips. Individual eVisas might still cost less for quick trips to just one country.
The GCC’s steadfast dedication to regional integration through this unified visa system will make Gulf travel better. UAE residents won’t face bureaucratic hurdles anymore. They can soon plan their regional trips more spontaneously for business, leisure, or family visits across the Arabian Peninsula.
