Unlock the Gulf: Your Comprehensive Guide to the New GCC Visa for Seamless Travel
Introduction: The New Era of Gulf Travel for Indian Travelers
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region—comprising Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—is witnessing a transformative shift in its visa policies, particularly for Indian citizens. As we navigate through 2026, the GCC nations are making unprecedented strides toward regional integration and tourism enhancement, promising Indian travelers an exciting new chapter of seamless Gulf exploration.
For years, Indian passport holders faced the cumbersome process of applying for separate visas for each Gulf country. This meant multiple applications, varied documentation requirements, and significant administrative overhead. However, 2026 marks a pivotal turning point with the much-anticipated introduction of the GCC Unified Visa, often referred to as the “Grand Tours Visa” or “Schengen-style visa for the Gulf.”
This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of GCC travel for Indian citizens in 2026, covering everything from the revolutionary unified visa system to individual country requirements, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan your Gulf adventure with confidence.
Part 1: Understanding the GCC Unified Visa (Grand Tours Visa)
What is the GCC Unified Visa?
The GCC Unified Visa represents a groundbreaking initiative by the Gulf Cooperation Council to revolutionize cross-border travel within the region. Much like Europe’s Schengen Visa allows travelers to explore multiple European countries with a single permit, this new system will enable visitors to explore all six GCC member states using one unified travel document.
Approved by GCC leaders in 2023, the Unified Visa aims to eliminate the current fragmented visa system where travelers must apply separately for each country’s visa. The initiative aligns with the Gulf nations’ collective vision of positioning the region as a premier global tourist destination while fostering deeper economic and cultural integration among member states.
Launch Timeline for 2026
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Early 2026: Official unified visa portal goes live
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Mid-2026: Pilot testing with selected travel agencies
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Late 2026: Expanded public access (subject to pilot success)
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Early 2027: Full-scale rollout
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Citizens
Basic Requirements
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Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
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Two blank passport pages
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Recent passport-size photographs (biometric)
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Completed online application form
Qualifying Visa Holders (Fast-track)
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Valid visas/residence permits from: US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore
Standard Eligibility (Others)
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Hotel booking or local sponsor invitation
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Return/onward flight tickets
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Travel insurance
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Bank statements (proof of funds)
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Employment or business proof
Expected Fees and Validity
| Visa Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Approx. INR | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Country | $50–$80 | ₹4,200–₹6,700 | 30 days | Single |
| Unified GCC (Standard) | $100–$150 | ₹8,400–₹12,600 | 30–60 days | Multiple |
| Unified GCC (Extended) | $150–$200 | ₹12,600–₹16,800 | 90 days | Multiple |
Part 2: UAE Visa for Indian Citizens (2026 Update)
The United Arab Emirates remains the most accessible GCC destination for Indians.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Eligible if holding valid residence permits/visas from:
US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 14 days |
| Fee | AED 100 (~₹2,300) |
| Extension | 14 days (AED 250) |
| Processing | Immediate |
Tourist Visa Options
48-hour Transit – USD 10
96-hour Transit – USD 49
30-Day Tourist Visa
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Single entry: USD 90
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Multiple entry: USD 136
60-Day Tourist Visa
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Single entry: USD 177
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Multiple entry: USD 231
5-Year Multiple-Entry UAE Visa
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90 days stay per visit
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Minimum bank balance: USD 4,000
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No sponsor required
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Ideal for frequent travelers
Part 3: Saudi Arabia Visa for Indian Travelers
Tourist eVisa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year |
| Stay | 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Fee | SAR 440 (~₹9,900) |
Permitted Activities: Tourism, Umrah (not Hajj), family visits, business meetings
Visa on Arrival (Eligible Indians)
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Must hold used US/UK/Schengen visa
New “Visa by Profile” (2026)
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Banking & Visa card–based approval
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Near-instant processing
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Pilot rollout in 2026
Part 4: Qatar Visa Options
Visa on Arrival
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Mandatory prepaid hotel via Discover Qatar
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Fee: QAR 100
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Stay: 30 days
Hayya Visa (Online)
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A2 (Tourism) – QAR 100
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A3 (Business) – QAR 100
Processing: 48–72 hours
Part 5: Bahrain Visa Guide
Visa on Arrival
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Eligible with US/UK/Schengen visa
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Fee: BD 5 (~₹1,168)
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Stay: 14 days
E-Visa Options
| Visa | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Week | BD 9 | 14 days |
| 3-Month Multiple | BD 17 | 90 days |
| 1-Year Multiple | BD 45 | 90 days per visit |
Part 6: Oman Visa Information
Visa on Arrival
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Eligible if holding residence permits from US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia
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Fee: OMR 20 (~₹5,400)
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Stay: 30 days
E-Visa
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Online via Royal Oman Police
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Processing: 24–72 hours
Part 7: Kuwait Visa Requirements
E-Visa
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Tourist Visa (90 days): KWD 20 (~₹6,500)
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Processing: 5–7 business days
Part 8: GCC Resident Visa Holders
Indian nationals holding valid GCC residence permits can apply for simplified e-visas to other GCC countries with faster approvals and minimal documentation.
Part 9: Practical Tips for Indian Travelers
Essentials
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Passport (6+ months validity)
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Return tickets
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Hotel booking
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Travel insurance
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Bank statements
Minimum Funds (Approx.)
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UAE: AED 3,000
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Saudi: SAR 5,000
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Qatar: QAR 5,000
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Bahrain: BD 150/day
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Oman: OMR 600
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Kuwait: KWD 3,000
Part 10: Future Outlook (2026–2030)
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Full GCC Unified Visa rollout
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AI-based approvals
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Biometric & mobile-first applications
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Major boost to India–GCC travel & business ties
Conclusion: Your Gulf Adventure Awaits
The GCC Unified Visa is set to redefine how Indians explore the Gulf—simpler, faster, and more affordable than ever before. From Dubai’s skyscrapers to Saudi heritage, Qatar’s luxury to Oman’s nature, the Gulf is ready to welcome Indian travelers in a truly unified way.
Plan smart. Apply early. Travel seamlessly.