Say goodbye to visa hassles and hello to seamless travel as you embark on your journeys across the Gulf region. With the new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Grand Tours visa expected to roll out by the end of this year, your travel plans across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are set to become an easy reality.
According to Gulf officials, the new visa system will allow tourists and expatriates to visit all six GCC countries on the same visa. Tourists need a separate visa for each country right now, but this new Schengen-like system will permit free travel between the nations and also increase tourism. Crafted to enhance tourism and streamline travel within the GCC, this comprehensive visa offers the flexibility to extend your stay beyond 30 days, inviting you to immerse yourself in the treasures of each nation at your own pace.
With the unified GCC Grand Tours visa, the Gulf Cooperation Council aims to attract a wave of visitors, mirroring the success of the Schengen visa in Europe. This groundbreaking initiative promises to revolutionise the tourism industry in the Gulf, with projections indicating a surge in hotel bookings and a boost in the region's reputation as a premier destination for global travellers.
Following unanimous approval from GCC states, the rollout of the unified visa will mark a significant milestone in the region's journey towards economic growth and cultural exchange. With the support of prominent figures from GCC tourism authorities, including UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrooq, the vision of a unified GCC tourist visa is becoming a reality.
As per their officials, the GCC is preparing to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors and forecasts a staggering 128.7 million tourists by 2030. This influx of travellers is poised to create countless opportunities for business, cultural exchange, and economic prosperity, cementing the Gulf's status as a leading global travel destination.