GCC approves ‘one-stop’ travel system; UAE and Bahrain to pilot historic scheme in 2025

The new system was announced by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi following the 42nd meeting of the Ministers of Interior of GCC countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday, November 12.

The “one-stop” travel system will allow citizens of the six GCC countries to complete all travel requirements – including immigration, security checks and customs – at a single checkpoint when  travelling around the bloc.

GCC one-stop travel system

It will reduce the number of travel inspections, enhance efficiency and cut processing time at international airports.

According to Kuwait’s state-run news agency KUNA, a trial will operate for air travel between the UAE and Bahrain.

Should the trial, scheduled to begin this year, prove successful it will be expanded to include travel for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

The move follows developments for a long-awaited unified tourist visa for visitors to the UAE.

Hopes for a Schengen-style visa which allows non-GCC nationals to travel across the region have been under development for a number of years and are reported to be announced soon.

Earlier this year Al Budaiwi said that the measures would help realise the visions of the Gulf leaderships, adding that involved parties were keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands.

Once approved, the unified Gulf tourist visa will allow its holders to visit six GCC countries, focusing on attracting and retaining tourists within the region to enhance economic integration.

Further details and a launch date are yet to be announced, but reports have claimed it will be valid for between 30 and 90 days and be valid for tourism or family visits.

As recently as September Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council said the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa represents a strategic step towards deeper regional integration and will enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single tourism destination.

A pilot launch is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, ahead of full implementation at a later stage.