GCC unveils Schengen-style ‘One-Stop’ travel system

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has approved a major new initiative to streamline cross-border travel across the region. 

A “one-stop” travel system, set to launch its pilot phase in December, will first connect the UAE and Bahrain, simplifying travel procedures for Gulf citizens.

Unveiled at the 42nd GCC Interior Ministers’ Meeting in Kuwait City, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi explained that the system will allow travellers to complete immigration, customs, and security checks at a single checkpoint, significantly reducing wait times and eliminating redundant inspections.

“This is a major step toward greater regional integration,” said Albudaiwi, speaking to the Kuwait News Agency.

The initial phase will apply to air travel between the UAE and Bahrain. If successful, the system will be expanded to all six GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The system will be powered by a unified electronic platform to track and share travel-related violations across member states, enhancing both efficiency and security.

Inspired by Schengen-style coordination in the EU, this move signals a new era of seamless regional mobility in the Gulf, as the GCC pushes for deeper economic and logistical integration.