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GCC Approves One-Stop Travel System: A New Era of Seamless Gulf Travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 7:20 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Gulf Cooperation Council Gives Green Light to One‑Stop Travel System – What It Means for Your Next Trip

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved a new One‑Stop Travel System (OSTS) that promises to simplify travel across its six member states—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The initiative is the result of years of collaboration among the member governments and is designed to make cross‑border travel faster, safer, and more seamless for Gulf nationals and visitors alike.

What is the One‑Stop Travel System?

The OSTS is a digital platform that consolidates all travel‑related documents and processes into a single electronic interface. Rather than carrying a stack of visas, entry‑exit stamps, and health documents, a traveler can use one electronic “passport” that contains all the necessary data for movement through the entire GCC region.

Key elements of the system include:

• Unified e‑Identity – Each traveler will have a single, digitally‑signed identity that is accepted by all member states. The ID will carry biometric data (fingerprint or facial recognition) to confirm identity without the need for a physical passport in many cases.

• e‑Visa & Entry‑Exit – The platform will automatically generate e‑visas and entry‑exit records based on the traveler’s itinerary, eliminating the need for separate visas or stamping in each country.

• Integrated e‑Check‑In & Boarding – Airlines that operate within the GCC will be able to use the OSTS for digital check‑in and boarding, which will speed up airport processing times and reduce queues.

• Centralized Data Exchange – Immigration, customs, and law‑enforcement agencies across the region will be able to share verified traveler data in real time, enhancing security and speeding up clearance procedures.

How Will It Work in Practice?

The system is set to roll out in phases, with a pilot program slated for late 2024 and full implementation expected by 2025. Travelers will first need to register on the OSTS portal, link their existing national ID or passport, and provide biometric scans. Once registered, the portal will issue an “OSTS passport” that can be stored in a mobile wallet or printed as a QR‑coded card.

When traveling, a passenger will simply present the OSTS ID at border checkpoints or on an airplane. Immigration officials will scan the QR code, verify the biometric data, and instantly approve entry or exit. The process removes the need for stamping the passport at each border crossing, significantly cutting down on processing times.

Why It Matters for Gulf Travelers

1. Speed and Convenience
   The biggest advantage is the reduction in waiting times at checkpoints. According to officials, current border procedures can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the country and time of day. OSTS promises to reduce this to a matter of seconds for most cases.

2. Lower Costs
   By eliminating the need for multiple visas and passport stamps, travelers save on visa fees and travel time—an attractive proposition for both leisure and business travelers.

3. Better Security
   Centralized data sharing means that security agencies have a real‑time view of who is entering and leaving each country. This not only helps in identifying potential threats but also reduces the risk of fraudulent documents slipping through.

4. Boost to Tourism and Business
   The GCC’s Vision 2030 (Saudi), the UAE’s “Open Economy” initiative, and similar national agendas all emphasize boosting tourism and foreign investment. A streamlined travel system directly supports these goals by making the Gulf an even more attractive destination.

Technical and Policy Foundations

The OSTS is built on a secure cloud‑based architecture that leverages blockchain-like distributed ledgers for data integrity. Each transaction is cryptographically signed and timestamped, ensuring that once a traveler’s record is created, it cannot be altered without detection.

To protect privacy, the platform is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards and the UAE’s Data Protection Law. Travelers will have full control over which data is shared, and all data transfer is encrypted end‑to‑end.

In addition to the technical framework, a set of mutual agreements among the GCC countries has been drafted to outline data sharing protocols, liability clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms. These agreements were approved by the GCC’s Secretariat during a high‑level meeting held in Abu Dhabi last month.

What You Need to Do

While the system is not yet live, travelers can start preparing by:

1. Downloading the OSTS App – Available for iOS and Android, the app will become the main interface for registration and travel management.

2. Registering Early – To avoid bottlenecks, it is recommended to complete registration at least a month before your first trip under the new system.

3. Staying Informed – Keep an eye on official GCC and national government websites for updates on the roll‑out schedule and any changes in requirements.

4. Testing the System – When the pilot launches, consider enrolling in the beta testing phase. Feedback from early users will help refine the system and ensure a smoother experience for everyone.

Links Worth Following

• GCC Secretariat Press Release – Details the official approval and the legal framework.
• Gulf Travel Blog – Provides practical tips on navigating the new system.
• Vision 2030 – Saudi Arabia – Explains how the travel overhaul ties into broader economic reforms.
• UAE Data Protection Law – Outlines privacy safeguards for digital identity systems.
• Oman Tourism Authority – Highlights specific benefits for visitors to Oman under the OSTS.

In Short

The One‑Stop Travel System marks a milestone in the GCC’s journey toward digital integration and regional cooperation. By replacing multiple passports, visas, and stamps with a single, secure electronic identity, the OSTS will save travelers time, reduce administrative overhead, and strengthen cross‑border security. For business professionals, tourism enthusiasts, and expatriates, the change promises a smoother, more efficient experience—effectively making the Gulf a “one‑stop” destination rather than a series of disconnected stops. Stay tuned for official launch dates and be ready to experience the future of Gulf travel.