UAE Mulls Visa-Free Travel For GCC Residents To Simplify Tourism

The UAE is reportedly considering a new visa system aimed at simplifying travel for residents within the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

According to Bloomberg, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri disclosed this development during a conference in the capital, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday.

The proposal for visa-free travel among residents of these countries holds significant potential to bolster tourism within the rapidly-evolving region.

New System Could Be Introduced “Very Soon”

The prospective visa system would allow GCC residents to move freely among countries within the bloc, notably including Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Al Marri highlighted the introduction of this system could be imminent, adding the regime could be introduced “very soon”. Citizens of the bloc are free to travel across borders without visas.

But foreign residents, who constitute a significant portion of the population and hail from diverse parts of the world, often still need visas to cross GCC borders.

Schengen-style Single Visa For Border-Free Travel

The UAE minister highlighted the attractiveness of the proposed visa-free system, as it would facilitate smoother travel for the scores of expats and foreign workers residing in GCC countries.

Additionally, the bloc also reportedly plans to introduce a ‘Schengen-style’ visa for border-free travel, essentially working on increasing the region’s appeal manifold.

According to media reports, talks were held recently to launch a system which would allow travellers to visit all six GCC countries under a single visa.

Unified-Visa System For Unrestricted Movement

The unified-visa system, if and when implemented, would save visitors from applying for multiple visas separately and promote more convenient travel among GCC countries.

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A Schengen visa allows unrestricted movement between 27 European countries. The visa holders can stay in the zone for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

It is granted to non-EU nationals and citizens of countries not having a visa-exempt agreement with Schengen members. Keep an eye out on The Gulf Independent for more updates.