KUWAIT CITY – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has approved a new “one-stop” travel system to simplify cross-border movement for citizens of member states, with a pilot phase set to begin between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in December 2025.

Announcing the initiative at the 42nd meeting of GCC Interior Ministers in Kuwait City, Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the system will allow travellers to complete immigration, customs, and security procedures at a single checkpoint upon arrival. The move is expected to significantly reduce processing time and eliminate the need for multiple inspections.

Under the plan, the UAE and Bahrain will serve as the initial pilot countries, applying the one-stop model to air travel between the two states. Pending a successful trial, the system will be expanded across all six GCC members — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE.

The project aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance mobility and integrate transport and tourism frameworks. Analysts note that the GCC is also advancing a unified tourist entry scheme — the GCC Grand Tours Visa — which would enable visitors to travel across member states using a single permit.

Industry experts suggest the new one-stop system is primarily designed for Gulf nationals, aiming to make intra-regional air travel function more like domestic travel. The pilot will test coordination between immigration, customs, and aviation authorities, with a view to improving efficiency and strengthening regional connectivity.

While details of the digital and technical framework are yet to be disclosed, the December 2025 launch marks a major milestone in the GCC’s long-term vision to create a more seamless, integrated travel experience across the region.