UAE and Bahrain have joined Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait in launching the “One-Stop” Immigration trial, set to transform tourism in the Middle East by streamlining travel across GCC countries. This groundbreaking initiative, beginning in December 2025, will allow GCC nationals on select routes to complete their immigration and security procedures only at their departure airport, eliminating the need for redundant checks upon arrival. The move aims to reduce congestion at airports, enhance passenger convenience, and significantly cut down travel time. As the trial unfolds, it has the potential to reshape regional travel, laying the foundation for a more connected and efficient GCC, while also paving the way for future initiatives like the GCC Grand Tours Visa.
One-Stop Immigration Trial: A Groundbreaking Pilot Launches in December 2025
A groundbreaking pilot program is set to launch in December 2025 between the UAE and Bahrain, introducing a revolutionary “One-Stop” Immigration system. This innovative system will allow GCC nationals traveling on select routes to complete their immigration and security procedures only at their airport of departure. By eliminating the need to repeat immigration checks upon arrival, this system aims to streamline travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, enhancing convenience for passengers and reducing travel time.
Impact: Easing Congestion and Transforming Inter-GCC Travel
If successful, the “One-Stop” Immigration process will expand across all six GCC countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This expansion would significantly ease congestion at airports, providing a smoother, more efficient travel experience. The initiative aims to make inter-GCC travel as seamless as domestic travel or travel within the Schengen Area, eliminating redundancies and creating a more connected region.
Future Vision: The Path to the GCC Grand Tours Visa
The “One-Stop” Immigration pilot is just the first step toward the long-anticipated GCC Grand Tours Visa. This visa would allow international tourists to travel across all six GCC member states on a single visa, making it easier for travelers to explore the region. With this initiative, the GCC is taking significant strides toward enhancing regional connectivity, simplifying travel, and boosting tourism across the member states.
Countries Implementing the “One-Stop” Immigration Trial & GCC Grand Tours Visa
- UAE: Leading the pilot program, offering streamlined immigration procedures for GCC nationals on select routes.
- Bahrain: The partner country in the December 2025 pilot, playing a key role in testing the “One-Stop” Immigration system.
- Kuwait: Expected to join the expanded system if the trial proves successful, easing travel between GCC countries.
- Oman: Will also benefit from the expanded system, facilitating quicker travel for GCC nationals.
- Qatar: A key member of the GCC, set to implement the system once proven, providing seamless travel for its citizens.
- Saudi Arabia: A major player in the GCC, it will eventually join the expanded program, enhancing convenience for both domestic and international travelers.
The successful implementation of the “One-Stop” Immigrationsystem across all six GCC countries is seen as a critical step towards the creation of the GCC Grand Tours Visa, allowing international tourists to travel freely across the region with a single visa.
UAE and Bahrain have joined Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait in launching the “One-Stop” Immigration trial, set to transform tourism in the Middle East by streamlining travel across GCC countries.
Conclusion
The “One-Stop” Immigration trial marks a significant step forward as the UAE and Bahrain join Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait to change the tourism dynamics of the Middle East. This collaborative initiative across GCC countries aims to simplify and enhance travel, making regional movement more seamless for GCC nationals. If successful, it could pave the way for more efficient travel across the Middle East, offering a smoother experience for both residents and international tourists. The trial is not only set to transform travel logistics but also lays the foundation for the anticipated GCC Grand Tours Visa, further boosting tourism in the region.