Middle East Travel Breezes as Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Others Introduce New GCC Visa Update Starting in 2026: All You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip

Published on November 30, 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has implemented significant updates to its visa policies, streamlining travel within the region for foreign residents. As the GCC Grand Tours Visa is set to roll out soon, these changes are designed to make travel between the member states easier, quicker, and more accessible.

These updates will benefit both business travelers and tourists from the region, allowing them to move freely across borders with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Whether planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a cultural exploration, travelers will enjoy greater flexibility in planning their journeys. Here’s a breakdown of each country’s new visa processes and how these changes will impact travel.

Bahrain: Streamlined Travel with eVisa and Visa-on-Arrival

Eligible Residents: Foreign residents with a valid GCC residency permit (at least three months) and a passport valid for at least six months.

Visa Types:

• eVisa: Apply online for a visa valid for one year, with options for 30-day single-entry or multiple-entry visas.
• Visa-on-Arrival (VoA): Available at ports of entry for eligible residents.

Professions: There are no specific profession-based restrictions for eVisa applications, although some restrictions may apply to certain occupations when applying for Visa-on-Arrival.

Application Process: The eVisa can be easily applied for through the official Bahrain eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bh).

The changes make Bahrain more accessible for GCC residents, allowing for a smoother travel experience, whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or religious purposes.

Kuwait: Easy Access with Tourist Visa on Arrival

Eligible Residents: Foreign residents with a valid GCC residency permit and passport (valid for at least six months).

Visa Type: Tourist Visa on Arrival for a one-month stay. This option, extended to include all foreign residents of GCC countries since August 2025, is available at all Kuwait ports of entry.

Professions: Previously limited to certain professions, the new policy opens up the tourist visa to all foreign residents of GCC countries.

Entry Process: The visa can be easily obtained upon arrival at any Kuwait airport or land border.

This change allows travelers from other GCC countries to explore Kuwait effortlessly, enhancing tourism and business opportunities.

Oman: Simplified Visa-on-Arrival and eVisa Options

Eligible Residents: Foreign residents of GCC countries with a valid residency permit (at least three months) and a passport valid for at least six months.

Visa Types:

• eVisa: Apply online via the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal.
• Visa-on-Arrival: Available at key entry points like Muscat International Airport.

Professions: Most professions are eligible, with some exemptions for domestic workers or private drivers.

Application Process: eVisa applications can be made easily through the official ROP eVisa Portal.

These eVisa and VoA options make Oman a more accessible destination for GCC residents, promoting tourism, business, and cross-border collaboration.

Qatar: Simplified Access Through the Hayya Portal

Eligible Residents: Foreign nationals holding a valid GCC residency permit and passport (valid for at least three months).

Visa Type: GCC Resident Visa (A2) available through the Hayya Portal.

Visa Duration: Valid for 30 days, with a single entry.

Professions: No profession-based restrictions, though applicants must select their job title from a list or enter “others” if not listed.

Application Process: Apply online via the Hayya Portal (hayya.qa).

The Hayya Portal simplifies the visa process for foreign residents of GCC countries, offering easy access for both work and leisure purposes, particularly for those interested in exploring Qatar.

Saudi Arabia: One-Year eVisa for Easy Travel

Eligible Residents: All expatriate residents of GCC countries with a valid GCC residency permit and passport (valid for at least three and six months, respectively).

Visa Type: One-year multiple-entry eVisa, valid for 90 days per visit.

Professions: No profession-based restrictions apply.

Purpose: This eVisa allows for tourism, business, family visits, and Umrah (outside of Hajj season).

Application Process: Apply online through the official Saudi visa platform (ksavisa.sa).

The simplified eVisa process makes Saudi Arabia an easier destination to visit for tourists, business travelers, and those looking to perform Umrah or visit family.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Easy Travel for Residents and Their Companions

Eligible Residents: Foreign residents of GCC countries and their companions, with residency permits valid for at least one year and passports valid for at least six months.

Visa Type: eVisa valid for 30 days, extendable for another 30 days.

Companion Entry: Entry permits for companions of GCC citizens are valid for 60 days and extendable as needed.

Application Process: Apply online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or through ICP smart channels.

The UAE’s visa system makes it simple for GCC residents and their families to visit, fostering greater family tourism and business exchange.

Impact on Business and Leisure Travel

The updated visa policies across the GCC make travel more accessible, especially for business travelers and tourists within the region. GCC residents can now move freely between countries for work, conferences, meetings, or leisure, without the usual bureaucratic hurdles. This will encourage increased economic collaboration, particularly in sectors such as tourism, trade, and investment.

For tourists, these simplified procedures mean fewer restrictions when exploring the region’s culture, heritage, and modern attractions. Whether attending business conferences, exploring historical sites, or visiting family, GCC residents will benefit from easier access to neighboring countries.

Quick Tips for Travelers

1. Check Visa Requirements: Ensure that your residency permit is valid for the required time and your passport meets the six-month validity requirement.
2. Apply Early for eVisas: Submit your application well in advance of your planned departure to avoid last-minute delays.
3. Understand Visa Durations: Be mindful of the stay limits (typically 30–90 days) and ensure you are clear about entry and exit conditions.
4. Carry Required Documentation: Keep your passport, residency permit, and any additional documents, such as job title, proof of family relations, or accommodation details.
5. Monitor Travel Restrictions: Check the latest COVID-19 restrictions or border entry requirements, especially if you’re traveling between multiple GCC countries.

Key Points at a Glance

• The GCC visa updates make cross-border travel for residents easier across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• eVisas and VoAs are now available for most residents of GCC countries, streamlining travel for business and tourism.
• Profession-based restrictions have been lifted in several countries, increasing accessibility for travelers.
• GCC residents can travel freely to explore cultural, historic, and business opportunities across the region with fewer barriers.

Conclusion

The recent updates to GCC visa policies present an exciting opportunity for residents of these countries to explore neighboring regions with greater ease and flexibility. Whether you are traveling for business, tourism, or family visits, these changes will make it simpler to navigate the growing opportunities within the GCC. By taking advantage of these improved travel options, both residents and tourists can enjoy the benefits of easier mobility and enhanced connections across the region, setting the stage for greater regional collaboration and cultural exchange in the years to come.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated