GCC’s Schengen-Style Unified Tourist Visa System To Launch Soon

Tourists planning to explore the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are in for a treat as the member states have greenlighted a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa system. Governments are currently integrating their systems and security aspects.

“There are multiple integrations … like security requirements for each country, making sure that everything is aligned for these developments. These implementations are taking time,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Saudi Arabia and UAE Could Be Bigger Beneficiaries

The Gulf states are also working on the visa fees framework. The unified tourist visa system was recently approved by the ministers of the regional countries, allowing visitors to conveniently explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said specific regulations and legislation for the visa will be developed, amid a targeted rollout between 2024 and 2025, depending on the readiness of each GCC country’s internal systems.

It is believed that Saudi Arabia and the UAE, especially Dubai, could be bigger beneficiaries of the new system as the emirate remains a global tourist destination and the Kingdom lures in a large number of religious tourists to Makkah and Madinah every year.

GCC Unified Visa To Transform The Travel Landscape

The Schengen-style system is expected to streamline travel logistics, offering a seamless experience for both tourists and residents. This, in turn, is largely anticipated to leave a positive impact on the economic and tourism sectors of the region.

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As the six countries come together to give shape to the project, the region is poised to become an even more attractive destination for the international community. In fact, the new system is set to transform the travel landscape in the Gulf region in the coming years.