Overview
- GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced the decision after the 42nd Interior Ministers meeting in Kuwait City.
- The pilot will run on air routes between the UAE and Bahrain, with passengers clearing immigration, security and customs at a single checkpoint before departure.
- Authorities say the scheme will extend to all six member states if the trial performs well.
- A Schengen-style GCC Grand Tourist Visa is slated for a pilot in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to UAE minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
- Saudi tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb told Reuters the region-wide visa could be fully operational by 2026, or by 2027 at the latest.