Muscat: The unified GCC tourist visa will be put in place by the end of this year and it will be called GCC Grand Tours, it was revealed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.
The system will allow freedom of movement between residents and citizens of six countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
The visa will function as a multi-entry visa, permitting travelers to move freely among the GCC countries.
In his speech at the event, Abdullah bin Touq al-Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, said the regional tourist visas would be called GCC Grand Tours and allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the six countries that comprise the GCC. "This will make travel to our region more convenient and affordable for tourists.”
“Once it comes into effect, it will contribute to highlighting the diverse tourism destinations in GCC countries, attracting and retaining tourists for longer periods, thus increasing the number of hotel guests and making the region one of the leading destinations for regional and international tourists alike,” Al Marri said.
His speech was followed by a panel discussion between Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
The ministerial panelists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level while
striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations.
The planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa was cited as a key facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as sustainability, infrastructure, and culture.
Panelists said the planned unified visa would allow member nations to present the GCC as a connected destination, boosting accessibility and driving KPIs such as length of stay, average spending, and employment.
Participants also explained that current and future infrastructure will complement the GCC Unified Tourist Visa by enhancing accessibility within and between Gulf nations.
The GCC Secretary-General, Jassim Al Budaiwi, said discussions are in their final stages among Gulf countries and stressed the need for careful consideration due to security and technical concerns.
As visa-free travel is already possible for citizens of GCC countries, the new visa system will apply to the expatriates living in the region.
Benefits
In addition to ongoing investment in new and existing airports and cruise terminals, the ministerial speakers highlighted the central role of the upcoming GCC Railway in facilitating and optimizing region-wide access for both domestic and international visitors.
Gulf countries are working with large tourist operators, and companies to roll out packages that care for the entire region.
The visa will function as a multi-entry visa, permitting travelers to move freely among the GCC countries. It is designed to streamline the tourism process, making it significantly easier for visitors to explore the Gulf's rich cultural and economic landscapes.
Al Midfa of SCTDA said, "By the end of this year, the whole system will be in place. (We) are working day and night and e-service is a vital part of it. We don’t want to complicate things for people and also maintain the same security level. It will be a very good initiative and we will see a positive outcome for regional economies.”
Sarah Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, added that Bahrain is also working on packages for the entire region. “Visitors can come to Bahrain and stay 3 nights, then go to Oman and Saudi. We are promoting the entire region as one package. We have signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia to promote two countries as one destination and we are doing it with the rest of the regional countries,” she added.
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