By Desmond Nleya
Dubai — A major travel upgrade is coming soon for UAE residents. The long-awaited Unified GCC Visa will allow travellers to visit multiple Gulf countries with just one permit — cutting down both paperwork and costs. But how does it compare to the current eVisa fees for each nation?
Officials say the new visa will likely cost between $90 and $130 (Dh330–Dh480), depending on its duration and type. Travellers can choose between a single-country permit or a multi-entry “GCC Grand Tour” visa valid for 30 to 90 days.
The multi-country option will cost slightly more, similar to existing multiple-entry eVisas, but will offer seamless access across all six GCC states.
For now, UAE residents must still apply for individual eVisas for each country — each with different fees, validity periods, and eligibility conditions.
Current GCC eVisa Costs for UAE Residents
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi eVisa allows multiple entries for one year, with each stay up to 90 days. It costs around SAR535 (Dh525), including mandatory travel insurance — among the region’s highest, but offering broad flexibility.
Kuwait
Since August 2025, GCC residents can get a 30-day visa on arrival, provided their residency is valid for at least six months. Fees range between Dh250 and Dh300 depending on the application channel.
Oman
Oman’s GCC Resident eVisa is the most affordable, priced at OMR5 (Dh48) for a single-entry, 28-day stay. Travellers can also get a visa on arrival — perfect for spontaneous weekend trips.
Qatar
Qatar’s single-entry eVisa costs about QAR100 (Dh100–105) for a 30-day stay. While some nationalities enjoy visa-free access, most UAE-based expats still need this eVisa.
Bahrain
Visa costs depend on duration: a single-entry visa costs BD29 (Dh284), while a three-month multiple-entry visa costs BD77 (Dh756) — a better deal for frequent visitors.
Why Prices Differ
Visa fees vary based on duration, entry type, and whether they include extras like travel insurance (as in Saudi Arabia). Some countries also charge processing or agency fees. These rates apply mainly to non-GCC nationals holding UAE residency visas, while UAE citizens enjoy visa-free access within the region.
Unified Visa: A Game Changer
When launched, the Unified GCC Visa will make Gulf travel smoother and more cost-effective — much like Europe’s Schengen system. With an estimated cost of Dh330–Dh480, it will likely fall mid-range compared to current visa prices.
Frequent travellers choosing the “GCC Grand Tour” option may pay a bit more but gain easy, borderless travel across all six nations.
Until then, UAE residents can still take advantage of user-friendly eVisa systems, with current prices ranging from Dh48 in Oman to Dh756 in Bahrain.
Once the unified permit is introduced, weekend escapes and business trips across the Gulf will become simpler, cheaper, and far more connected.
Source: Gulf News
