Unified Gcc Tourist Visa System: Overview Of Schengen-style Scheme

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now one step closer to introducing Schengen-style visas to boost tourism.

During a meeting of GCC ministers last week in Muscat, Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, announced that the unified visa had been unanimously approved.

Using a single visa, tourists can explore all six member countries of the Gulf bloc - the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Multiple Gulf ministers and top officials, including those in the UAE, have revealed in the past few months that the unified visa would be launched “soon”.

The long-awaited visa will create more job opportunities and improve regional economies. According to what we know so far about the unified tourist visa:

How does a unified GCC visa work?

Similar to a Schengen visa that gives tourists access to several European countries, the GCC is looking to implement a visa that would let visitors hop between countries that make up the Gulf bloc.

It is currently necessary for tourists to get visas for each of the Gulf countries separately, despite the fact that all six countries are connected by air and road.

How will the scheme benefit you?

An official from the UAE said in May that tourists, especially long-haul ones, would benefit from a unified package for visiting GCC countries. The scheme will also increase their length of stay, in addition to boosting tourist spending.

When will the visa be available?

Minister Mahrouqi told the Omani media that the scheme would be launched "very soon". A timeline was not specified, but the Oman Observer reported that it would be presented at a meeting of regional interior ministers in November in Muscat.

What would be the scope of the scheme?

Once implemented, the scheme could see GCC countries carry out joint publicity campaigns. Officials had previously spoken about having a common booking platform and a joint tourism website.

Can GCC residents apply for the visa?

GCC citizens are currently able to travel between member states without a visa. It’s not immediately clear if expatriates residing in these countries can or would need to apply for the unified visa once it’s implemented. However, last month, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, said the GCC is considering a single visa system that will see its residents travel freely between its member states.

The visa allows one to visit how many countries?

All six GCC countries are accessible to visa holders: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.

What will be the cost and duration of the visa?

The price and validity of the visa have not been revealed so far. More details are expected to be announced at the end of the year.

 

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