Tourists visiting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries may soon enjoy the convenience of a single visa, akin to Europe’s Schengen system. The GCC, comprising the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, has unanimously approved the concept of a unified visa, announced Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during a recent meeting in Muscat.
Currently, travelers have to secure individual visas for each GCC member country, despite the nations being interconnected by air and road. The new system is poised to boost regional economies and create job opportunities by promoting longer stays and increased spending from tourists.
Although a specific rollout date remains undisclosed, Minister Mahrouqi assured it would be “very soon”. Further details are expected during a regional interior ministers’ meeting in Muscat in November. Additionally, there are talks about joint marketing campaigns, a shared booking platform, and a consolidated tourism website among the GCC countries.
The topic of expatriate residents in the GCC countries and their need for the unified visa is still under discussion. However, UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, has hinted at a visa system allowing residents of GCC countries to travel seamlessly across member states.
Details regarding the visa’s cost and duration remain under wraps, with more information anticipated by year’s end. The unified visa aims to simplify travel across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait for global tourists.
