Dubai: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the launch of a ‘one-stop’ travel system, an innovative initiative designed to streamline cross-border travel for citizens of member states.
The system will undergo its first pilot phase between the UAE and Bahrain in December 2025, marking a major step toward greater regional mobility and integration. The plan was presented by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi during the 42nd GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Kuwait City.
Under the new ‘one-stop’ travel system, passengers from GCC nations will be able to complete immigration, customs, and security checks at a single checkpoint, eliminating repetitive procedures across borders and significantly reducing travel processing times.
UAE and Bahrain pilot phase
Initially, the UAE and Bahrain will implement the system for air travel, serving as a test case for regional coordination between border, aviation, and customs authorities. If the trial proves successful, the model will be expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, covering all six GCC countries.
The initiative will be supported by a unified electronic platform designed to track travel-related violations and enable secure data sharing among member states. This approach is expected to enhance operational efficiency, security, and cooperation across the region.
The GCC’s ‘one-stop’ travel system mirrors the Schengen-style framework in Europe, reflecting the bloc’s ambition to deepen regional connectivity and simplify intra-Gulf travel.
This development aligns with the upcoming Unified GCC Visa, known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, expected to launch by late 2025. The new visa will allow tourists to visit all six Gulf countries with a single permit, promoting tourism and economic growth throughout the region.
If successful, the ‘one-stop’ travel system between the UAE and Bahrain could transform mobility across the Gulf, positioning the region as a model for integrated and efficient travel systems.
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