Single checkpoint, 6 countries: ‘One-stop’ GCC air-travel system explained

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCO) has approved a ‘one-stop’ (single-point) travel system and will pilot its first phase between the UAE and Bahrain, with the trial scheduled to begin in December 2025 via air travel. Once fully implemented across all six member states, flying across the Gulf will be as simple as travelling between cities in the same country.

- Sahim Salim

The one-stop travel system focuses on how travellers are processed - specifically Gulf citizens travelling within the region - by merging immigration and security checks between member states.

Here’s a detailed look at how the scheme will work — and how it complements the Schengen-style GCC tourist visa that’s due to launch next year:

It’s a joint border/identity and security clearance process run by Gulf Interior Ministries that lets eligible passengers complete immigration, security and related checks at one checkpoint before boarding. Gulf nationals can then land at their destination, collect their baggage and exit the airport without any further formalities.