The Gulf’s New Schengen-Style Travel Revolution
For Indian travellers — whether you’re based in India or an NRI with a Green Card, US, UK or EU residence — a world-class multi-country holiday may soon be just one simple visa away.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — the vibrant bloc of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — has officially approved a GCC Grand Tours visa, modelled on Europe’s popular Schengen visa. Soon, with a single online application, you’ll be able to explore the entire Gulf region — without the paperwork and expense of multiple visas.
For those tired of the crowds of Europe or long transatlantic flights, this new opportunity puts an exciting, convenient, and richly diverse destination right in our neighbourhood.
Official Approval and Launch Timeline
The GCC visa was formally approved on 16 June 2025, and final implementation steps are now underway. The unified visa had already received unanimous backing from all six GCC nations in October 2023, and ministers are targeting a full rollout before the end of 2025.
According to GCC leaders, relevant ministries of interior and tourism are completing technical integration and digital platforms to enable seamless processing of visa applications.
What Makes This Visa a Game-changer
The new GCC Grand Tours visa will finally eliminate the biggest hurdle travellers faced when planning a Gulf itinerary — the need for separate visas for each country, despite excellent regional air and road connectivity.
Now, inspired by the Schengen model, the Gulf countries will offer a single visa valid for all six nations.
With one simple process, Indian travellers will soon be able to design multi-country journeys through:
- United Arab Emirates – with its iconic Dubai skyline and Abu Dhabi’s cultural gems
- Saudi Arabia – opening up rich heritage sites, futuristic cities, and dramatic landscapes
- Qatar – a blend of modernity, art, and tradition
- Bahrain – full of archaeological wonders and buzzing hospitality
- Kuwait – offering a taste of authentic Arabian culture
- Oman – famed for its mountains, deserts, and coastline
In other words — Europe-style freedom of movement, right in the Gulf.
Visa Features and Benefits
- Validity: expected to be from 30 to 90 days, allowing long leisurely tours
- Cost: around US$100 (about Rs8,500) — making it far cheaper than applying for six visas separately
- Convenience: single online application, with no duplicate submissions required
- Flexibility: easy to add multiple countries to your Gulf holiday, without worrying about visa restrictions
For Indian tourists, whether resident in India or abroad, this offers a real value-for-money holiday option — with luxury hotels, top-notch shopping, cultural experiences, and desert adventures at your doorstep.
For Indian Passport Holders — Existing UAE Perks
While we await full GCC visa rollout, Indian passport holders can already take advantage of visa-on-arrival for the UAE, if they hold:
- US visa
- Green Card
- UK or EU residence permit
For such travellers, the UAE offers a 14-day visa on arrival at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports (about Rs2,700–Rs3,400), provided certain entry conditions are met:
- Indian passport valid for 6 months
- Valid qualifying US/UK/EU visa or residency
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking with QR code
- Proof of funds and insurance
This means that Indian tourists already accustomed to short UAE breaks will find the GCC Grand Tours visa an easy next step when planning extended holidays in the Gulf.
Huge Regional Tourism Growth
The Gulf is not standing still. In fact, it is fast becoming one of the world’s hottest tourism destinations:
- 68 million visitors in 2023, up nearly 43% from pre-pandemic 2019 levels
- Record US$110bn (billion) tourism revenue
- Dubai alone welcomed over 7.1mn (million) tourists in the first four months of 2025
By 2030, it is projected that one in nine UAE residents will work in the tourism sector, with similar expansions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
For Indian travellers, this means:
- More frequent direct flights
- Greater availability of Indian-friendly hotels and food options
- Cultural ease, as Indians are already a beloved and substantial part of the Gulf’s social fabric
Best Months for Indian Tourists to Visit
The perfect season for a Gulf tour? Think October to April — when daytime temperatures are pleasant, skies are clear, and the calendar is packed with festivals, shopping events, sports tournaments, and concerts.
During these cooler months, the entire Gulf transforms into a tourist’s paradise. Whether you are exploring Doha’s modern art museums, camping in Oman’s desert, or strolling Dubai Marina, this is the time to go.
A Perfect Alternative to Europe?
Absolutely! Many Indians today are seeking new travel experiences without the delays and costs of European visas and long-haul flights.
Here is why the GCC is your best alternative:
- Shorter flights (3–4 hours from major Indian cities)
- Fewer visa hassles (soon, one visa for six countries)
- World-class amenities at competitive pricing
- Indian culture welcomed — from food to festivals
- Dramatic variety — futuristic cities, beaches, mountains, deserts, and ancient sites
For families, solo travellers, honeymooners, and seniors alike, the Gulf now offers a safe, modern, and fascinating multi-country holiday option just next door.
The Road Ahead
With final technical coordination between ministries underway, expect the GCC Grand Tours visa to launch in late 2025. Once in place, Indian travellers can look forward to:
- One online application
- One payment
- Freedom to explore all six countries seamlessly
This is also part of the broader Gulf vision of becoming an integrated, world-class tourism region — a strategy that will no doubt benefit Indian visitors, given our longstanding ties with the region.
Final Word — Why Wait?
With this new unified visa, the Gulf is set to become the most accessible and attractive regional destination for Indian travellers.
In the coming months, as the visa goes live, why not plan that multi-country Gulf holiday with family or friends? Forget the red tape and queues of Europe — the charm of the Gulf is now within easy reach.
10 Things Indian Travellers Ought to Know
What is it?
A single visa to visit all 6 Gulf countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait — no need to apply separately.
When will it start?
Targeted to launch before the end of 2025 — final coordination underway.
How much will it cost?
Expected around Rs8,500 — far cheaper than 6 separate visas.
How long can you stay?
Likely validity of 30 to 90 days, great for short breaks or long tours.
How to apply?
Entirely online — no physical paperwork needed.
Can NRIs and Green Card holders apply?
Yes — open to Indian passport holders, both in India and abroad.
What documents will be needed?
- Valid passport (6 months)
- Photo
- Travel insurance
- Proof of funds
- Hotel bookings or invitation
- Return/onward ticket
Best Months to Visit?
October to April — ideal weather across the Gulf.
What about UAE visa-on-arrival?
Indian passport holders with valid US/UK/EU visa or Green Card already enjoy UAE visa-on-arrival — this new visa expands that convenience to all 6 nations.
Why is this good for Indian travellers?
Short flights, Indian-friendly culture, world-class attractions, great value — and now super easy to plan multi-country Gulf holidays.
(Karan Bir Singh (KBS) Sidhu is an officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre (1984 batch). After 37 years of service, he retired as special chief secretary of the Punjab government on 31 July 2021.)
