The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has unveiled a landmark initiative to streamline air travel within the region through the launch of a “single-checkpoint” travel pilot. The new system, also referred to as the “one-stop travel system,” will debut in December 2025, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain as the first participating countries.
The project, approved by GCC interior and transportation ministers, aims to enable citizens of member states to complete all immigration, customs, and security checks at one point of departure. This means that travelers flying between GCC countries will go through all necessary formalities at their departure airport and, upon arrival, will be treated as if they were on a domestic flight. The system is backed by a unified digital platform that allows for secure, real-time sharing of travel and security data among all member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
According to Gulf and regional officials, the pilot phase between the UAE and Bahrain will serve as a model for eventual expansion across the six-nation bloc. The initiative represents a key step toward regional integration, promoting the idea of seamless travel across the Gulf similar in spirit to Europe’s Schengen Zone. If successful, it will significantly reduce travel time and airport congestion while enhancing passenger convenience and inter-country cooperation.
The GCC Secretariat explained that the system is designed to boost connectivity and coordination within the Gulf, aligning with ongoing efforts to deepen economic, social, and tourism integration. The “single-checkpoint” model is also expected to complement the upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa, another major project that will allow visitors to travel freely between all six member countries under a single permit. Together, these initiatives aim to make the GCC one of the most accessible and interconnected regions in the world.
Under the new setup, travelers will undergo a consolidated immigration, customs, and security screening process at the departure point. Their information will then be transmitted electronically to the destination country, eliminating the need for redundant checks upon arrival. The integrated system leverages digital identity verification, biometric scanning, and advanced data-sharing protocols to maintain high levels of security while improving efficiency.
Beyond convenience, the initiative underscores the GCC’s focus on innovation and smart mobility. Authorities have emphasized that the system will help enhance aviation competitiveness by cutting turnaround times and offering a smoother passenger experience. It will also support tourism and business travel, making it easier for Gulf citizens to move between member states for work, leisure, and family visits.
Officials say the pilot will undergo rigorous evaluation before expansion to other routes. Lessons from the UAE-Bahrain trial will guide future rollouts to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Eventually, the goal is for Gulf citizens — and possibly residents and tourists in later phases to enjoy near-domestic travel conditions across the GCC.
With the one-stop travel pilot, the GCC takes a bold step toward realizing a unified regional mobility framework one that enhances cooperation, connectivity, and community across the Gulf.
