Gulf officials have confirmed that the unified GCC tourist visa launch is postponed to 2026, not 2025 as previously expected. Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced this at the Gulf Gateway Investment Forum in Bahrain. The visa project requires deeper cooperation across the six GCC countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Originally, the visa was set to enter a pilot phase in late 2025, but the full rollout will take place in 2026. Ahmed Al-Khateeb called the project "a major milestone achieved after years of collaboration among GCC member states." However, he noted that implementing it needs extensive coordination. The delay is due to three main challenges. First, security and policy alignment must ensure smooth immigration controls and data sharing. Oman’s Minister Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi said the project is still in the "research phase" with ongoing discussions on these security concerns. Second, the technical side requires a new digital system connecting immigration databases and border controls in real-time, following strict international data protection standards. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said joint technical meetings are ongoing to keep pace with global security needs. Third, the GCC now prefers a phased approach. While a pilot was expected in 2025, testing will extend into a broader launch in 2026 to ensure reliability. Once active, the GCC Unified Visa will let tourists travel across all six Gulf states on a single permit, like Europe’s Schengen visa. Visitors can choose a visa for one country or multiple countries, reducing multiple applications. Stays will likely be around 30 days, though exact rules are pending. The visa aims to simplify travel, cut costs, and encourage longer trips across the Gulf. In 2024 alone, 3.3 million GCC visitors traveled to the UAE, with Saudi Arabia sending the largest group of 1.9 million. For now, travellers must use current visa rules for each country. Full visa implementation awaits final security, tech, and regulatory approvals expected next year.