GCC Single Tourist Visa Approved: What It Means for Nepalese

A major development is on the horizon for travelers and expatriates in the Gulf region. The much-anticipated GCC Single Tourist Visa – often referred to as the GCC Grand Tours Visa – has officially been approved and is set to be implemented soon, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy.

“The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and is now with the Ministry of Interior and relevant stakeholders,” said Al Marri in an interview with Khaleej Times.

This unified visa will allow foreign tourists to travel across all six GCC countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait – on a single visa, much like the European Schengen Visa.

GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) ले एकीकृत पर्यटक भिसा (Unified Tourist Visa) स्वीकृत गरेको छ, जसबाट यूएई, साउदी अरब, कतार, बहराइन, ओमान र कुवेत गरी छवटै देश एउटै भिसाबाट भ्रमण गर्न पाइनेछ। यो नयाँ भिसाले यूएई लगायत सबै खाडी देशमा पर्यटन, रोजगारी तथा आर्थिक विकास बढाउनेछ। यूएईमा रहेका नेपालीहरूलाई नयाँ रोजगारी अवसरहरू उपलब्ध हुने, छिमेकी देशहरू सजिलै भ्रमण गर्न सकिने, र समग्र आर्थिक वृद्धिबाट लाभ पुग्ने देखिन्छ। नेपालबाट खाडी भ्रमण गर्न इच्छुक पर्यटकहरूले पनि सहज रूपमा एकै पटकमा धेरै देश भ्रमण गर्न सक्नेछन्, जसले नेपाल र खाडी क्षेत्रबीच सांस्कृतिक तथा आर्थिक सम्बन्ध अझ बलियो हुने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ।

What Does It Mean for Nepalese Living in the GCC?

For the over 600,000 Nepalese living in the UAE and millions across the GCC, this is excellent news:

✅ Easier Travel for Nepalese Workers and Residents

Nepalese expats with valid UAE residence visas can expect simplified travel procedures to other GCC countries for vacation, family visits, or short business trips.
Instead of applying for multiple visas, you’ll soon be able to move freely across the Gulf region using a single entry permit.

✅ Boost in ‘Bleisure’ Opportunities

Many Nepalese in white-collar and skilled labor sectors will benefit from ‘bleisure’ travel, where business and leisure trips can be combined.
It opens doors to regional conferences, expos, and tourism without the hassle of repeated visa paperwork.

✅ Tourism Job Growth = More Opportunities

The travel and tourism industry in the GCC is booming. In 2023, the region saw 68.1 million visitors and $110.4 billion in revenue – a 42.8% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Dubai alone welcomed 7.15 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025.
With projected job growth in the tourism sector reaching 1 million in the UAE by 2030, this unified visa could create more job openings for Nepalese in hotels, hospitality, events, logistics, and more.

✅ Great News for Tourists Planning to Visit GCC from Nepal

If you’re planning a trip to the Gulf from Nepal, this visa will make it easier to explore multiple countries in one trip – imagine visiting Dubai, Mecca, Doha, Muscat, and Kuwait City without applying separately!
It could also encourage family visits, cultural tourism, and Nepali business delegations to the region.

What Can You Do Now?

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on announcements from UAE and GCC immigration authorities regarding the launch date and application procedures.
Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months to make use of the new visa when it rolls out.
Plan Multi-Country Travel: Think of future family trips, business tours, or religious pilgrimages (Umrah, Ziyarat) with fewer visa formalities.

Final Thoughts

The GCC Single Tourist Visa is a game-changer, not only for global travelers but especially for Nepalese expatriates across the region. It strengthens regional integration, boosts tourism-based employment, and simplifies mobility — all while making it easier for us to explore, connect, and grow in the Gulf.

Stay connected with NepaleseinUAE.com for timely updates, visa application tips, and expert travel insights tailored for our community.