A long-anticipated change in travel policy is set to transform how visitors move across the Gulf. The GCC is preparing to introduce a unified tourist visa that would allow non-GCC nationals to travel freely between all six member states using a single permit—removing one of the region’s most persistent barriers to multi-country tourism.

Once implemented, travellers would no longer need to apply for separate visas for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Instead, a single application submitted through a shared digital platform would grant short-term access to all six countries.

Current plans suggest the visa would be valid for around 30 days, with fees expected to fall between $90 and $130. The aim is straightforward: make it easier for visitors to experience the Gulf as a connected destination rather than a series of isolated stops.

The unified tourist visa marks one of the clearest moves yet toward functional integration within the GCC. While it is often compared to Europe’s Schengen system, the Gulf’s approach is far more targeted. Rather than a sweeping political project, this initiative responds to a practical problem—fragmented visa rules that discourage travellers from exploring more than one country during a single trip.

Tourism has become a central pillar of economic diversification across the Gulf, and easing entry requirements is a logical next step. By reducing paperwork and uncertainty, the GCC is effectively repositioning itself as a single tourism ecosystem, strengthening its global competitiveness in the process.

The repeated delays in launching the unified visa are not the result of wavering political will, but of the technical and security challenges involved. Allowing visitors to move across borders after one initial screening demands a high level of coordination and trust among national authorities.

That trust depends on shared systems—integrated biometric databases, compatible border control platforms, and a common regional watchlist. Without these safeguards, mutual recognition of visa approvals could expose individual states to security vulnerabilities. As a result, the unified visa is as much about strengthening security infrastructure as it is about encouraging tourism.

Although the Schengen comparison is tempting, the differences matter. The GCC visa will not eliminate border checks, nor will it grant rights to work, reside, or settle. Labour markets and immigration policies remain firmly under national control.

Instead, the visa is designed to facilitate short-term travel only. It is a practical mobility tool, not a step toward deeper political or legal integration. In this sense, it reflects a cautious but realistic understanding of regional priorities.

One of the most significant aspects of the unified visa lies in how it handles compliance. Overstays and other violations are expected to be monitored through shared databases, with penalties applied consistently across all six countries. These may include daily fines, travel restrictions, or regional entry bans.

This system closes existing loopholes. Under the current framework, a traveller who violates visa conditions in one GCC country may still be able to enter another. The unified approach ensures that non-compliance in one state is visible across the entire region.

Beyond enforcement, shared data improves risk detection. A visitor attempting to re-enter the Gulf through a different country after a previous violation would be flagged immediately. This not only deters abuse but also strengthens early identification of broader security concerns.

In effect, the system balances greater mobility with tighter accountability—an increasingly important principle in modern border management.

For the UAE, the unified visa reinforces its role as the Gulf’s primary travel and aviation hub. With its extensive airline networks and advanced border infrastructure, the country is likely to serve as a key entry point for initial screening on behalf of the wider bloc. This enhances the UAE’s strategic position while highlighting the need for continued investment in border technologies.

For residents and expatriates across the GCC, the benefits are clear: simpler travel rules, fewer administrative hurdles, and a more predictable regional system. At a broader level, the initiative gives practical form to long-standing ambitions for deeper Gulf cooperation.

The Unified GCC Visa is not a regional Schengen—and it does not need to be. Its value lies in its practicality. By cutting red tape, supporting tourism growth, and embedding mobility within a shared security framework, the GCC is taking a measured but meaningful step forward.

If executed effectively, the unified visa could become one of the most visible outcomes of Gulf cooperation—not as a policy concept, but as a day-to-day experience for travellers who find it easier to move, stay longer, and engage more deeply with the region as a whole.

The Kuwait Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that it will extend visit visas for an additional month, as well as leave of absence permits for three months, in light of the ongoing circumstances.

Starting from February 28, 2026, all visit visas that have expired or are nearing expiration will be automatically extended for one month. During this period, individuals will be exempt from any fees or penalties associated with the extensions, given the current situation.

Additionally, expatriates currently outside Kuwait will benefit from a three-month automatic extension for their leave of absence permits. This extension will be processed without requiring in-person visits or payment of fees.

The ministry also indicated that the exemption period could be further extended, depending on the evolving circumstances.

Source: Kuwaittimes

China confirmed that citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to visit the country without a visa beginning February 17, in a move intended to boost travel and cultural exchanges. The new arrangement will remain in place until the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The decision follows separate visits to Beijing in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom sought to reset relations with China and explore areas of cooperation. During their meetings with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, both sides agreed to advance initiatives, including visa-free travel.

Under the policy, holders of ordinary British and Canadian passports can stay in China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa. The exemption applies to trips for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

Beijing described the measure as part of broader efforts to make cross-border travel easier and promote closer people-to-people ties with other countries.

The Republic of Armenia has unveiled a temporary visa‑exemption policy that allows residents of the United Arab Emirates from 113 eligible countries to enter Armenia without a visa until 1 July 2026, officials confirmed. The initiative is designed to make travel simpler, boost tourism, and strengthen Armenia’s ties with global visitors and expatriates.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals who hold a valid UAE residence permit — in addition to those issued by Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, European Union member states, or Schengen Area countries — can travel to Armenia without a prior visa.

To qualify, the residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and presented either as a physical card or as a passport sticker. Once admitted, travellers can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one‑year period, offering flexibility for extended visits for tourism, business or family purposes.

This temporary exemption scheme is part of Armenia’s broader effort to enhance accessibility and attract international visitors throughout the first half of 2026. The policy applies to a wide range of nationalities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions, including major countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, among many others.

Armenian officials have emphasised that the measure is intended to streamline entry procedures, support the tourism sector, and encourage cultural and economic engagement with travellers from diverse markets. The Armenian Tourism Committee highlighted the move as a clear signal that the country is open and welcoming to global visitors in 2026.

How It Works in Practice

Eligible travellers planning to take advantage of the visa‑exemption should:

• Ensure their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival.

• Carry the original physical permit or passport sticker when entering Armenia.

• Plan their trip within the exemption timeframe (1 January – 1 July 2026).

Border authorities may require that the permit display key personal details — such as name, nationality, date of birth and validity dates — in Latin script to facilitate verification.

Armenia has gradually expanded its visa‑free arrangements in recent years. It introduced visa‑free travel for citizens of the UAE in 2017, followed by similar measures for Qatar in 2019 and Kuwait in 2022. Direct flights between Armenian cities and the UAE, operated by carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air, have further strengthened travel connections.

Located at the cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia has become an attractive destination for residents of the Gulf region. With scenic landscapes, centuries‑old UNESCO‑listed monasteries, burgeoning culinary offerings and a lively arts scene, the country offers diverse experiences for both short breaks and longer stays.

On 10 February 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet formally reviewed and endorsed progress on the country’s visa reform program, first introduced in 2024 to reinforce tourism and stimulate economic recovery. While most of the reforms have already been rolled out, the latest meeting served to consolidate them under a clearer policy direction and signal that refinements may be introduced—particularly to the 60-day visa exemption, which has faced instances of misuse.

According to Deputy Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Aiyarint Panrit, the Cabinet approved updated visa guidelines intended to strengthen Thailand’s appeal as an international destination while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

Rather than marking a dramatic policy shift, the February review represents a continuation and political reaffirmation of measures progressively implemented over the past two years. The objective was to confirm achievements to date, streamline procedures, and define future priorities for managing arrivals and facilitating travel.

60-Day Visa Exemption Remains a Core Feature

A central element of the reform is the 60-day visa exemption, in place since July 2024, which allows passport holders from 93 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa for tourism or short-term business. Visitors may also request a 30-day extension during their stay.

The Cabinet confirmed that the scheme will remain in effect but acknowledged operational concerns linked to its expanded duration.

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) system also continues to operate for travelers from 31 countries at designated entry points. Authorities are currently assessing a possible expansion that would add eight more eligible nationalities.

New Visa Types Reflect Changing Travel Trends

Thailand’s updated visa framework also reflects broader global shifts in mobility and work patterns.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was introduced to attract remote workers and international professionals who wish to combine employment with longer stays. The category responds to the growing popularity of flexible work arrangements and “workcation” lifestyles.

Similarly, the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa permits certain foreign students to pursue academic programs while engaging in limited employment, enhancing both educational opportunities and economic participation.

Together, these initiatives aim to broaden the range of visitors and residents contributing to Thailand’s economy.

Streamlining and Digitalization of Procedures

Administrative simplification has been another priority. In August 2025, authorities reduced 17 non-immigrant visa classifications to seven main categories, making the system more transparent and easier to navigate.

At the same time, Thailand expanded its e-Visa services worldwide as of January 2025, enabling applicants to complete visa applications online through Thai embassies and consulates without attending in person. This shift represents a significant step toward modernizing the country’s consular processes.

The launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in May 2025 further strengthened digital border management. Replacing the previously proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the TDAC requires travelers to submit entry information online within 72 hours before arrival. The system is designed to speed up processing at immigration checkpoints while improving data monitoring.

Closer Scrutiny of Visa Exemption Misuse

Although the overall strategy seeks to maintain Thailand’s openness and economic dynamism, officials have acknowledged that the extended 60-day visa exemption has created challenges.

Authorities have documented cases of individuals exploiting the longer stay period by engaging in unauthorized work or making repeated back-to-back entries to prolong their presence in the country. Such practices have complicated enforcement and prompted concerns about regulatory gaps.

Government representatives have previously indicated that adjustments could be introduced if necessary, including shortening the permitted stay or tightening entry requirements. The Cabinet reiterated that all options remain under review to ensure that the system supports economic growth without undermining national security or labor market stability.

To address these concerns, the Prime Minister established a dedicated committee last October to evaluate immigration policies more closely. The committee has been tasked with analyzing the impact of the visa exemption program and recommending corrective measures where needed, whether through stronger monitoring, enhanced enforcement, or revised eligibility rules.

At the same time, authorities are reassessing long-stay visa conditions for foreign retirees, with the dual objective of attracting financially secure residents and maintaining effective regulatory safeguards.

Overall, the government’s latest review highlights a balanced approach: sustaining Thailand’s reputation as an accessible and welcoming destination while reinforcing oversight to ensure long-term economic and social stability.

The UK has reached agreements with three African nations to take back foreign offenders and individuals living in the country illegally, following threats from the government to impose visa restrictions.

In December, Namibia and Angola agreed to cooperate on deportations after warnings from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now also committed to facilitating returns.

Speaking after the agreements, Mahmood said, “The message is simple: if foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens, there will be consequences.”

The UK had previously warned that it might suspend visa issuance for citizens of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if their authorities did not improve cooperation on deportations. The Home Office had highlighted that removals were often delayed because paperwork was not processed or individuals were required to sign their own return documents, giving the countries effective control over the process.

Officials described the returns procedures in these nations as “unacceptably poor and obstructive” and indicated that sanctions could be imposed if improvements were not made.

As part of wider reforms to the UK’s asylum system announced last November, Mahmood explained that visa penalties could be applied to countries that fail to cooperate with returns. This includes an “emergency brake” on visas for nations with high numbers of asylum seekers until deportation arrangements are properly implemented.

After the agreements were finalized, Mahmood added, “Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and returned to Angola, Namibia, and the DRC. I will do everything necessary to maintain order and protect our borders.”