In a major move to boost the regional tourism industry, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the introduction of a unified visa system, allowing travelers to visit all six member states with a single visa. The new “GCC Grand Tourist Visa” is expected to be launched on a trial basis later this year.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, recently stated that the initiative is modeled after the European Schengen visa. He noted that the new system would enhance regional tourism cooperation and help establish the Gulf region as a single, integrated tourism destination.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Marri said that after its pilot phase, the visa system would be gradually expanded until full implementation, though no specific timeline has yet been disclosed.
Earlier, in a June 16 interview with the Khaleej Times, Al Marri confirmed that the GCC Grand Tourist Visa had already received formal approval and would be implemented soon.
Once operational, the unified visa will allow tourists to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait with a single application. However, details regarding the duration and cost of the visa have not yet been announced.
Sources: Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Arab Times Kuwait, Gulf Business.