The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has unveiled a new tourist visa called 'GCC Grand Tours,' enabling travelers to roam freely across all six member countries—Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar—for up to 30 days. This transformative initiative was announced by UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, with the aim to bolster tourism and simplify travel across the region.
Designed to increase the influx of visitors, the 'GCC Grand Tours' visa allows travelers to navigate through the six nations on a single visa, much like the Schengen visa in Europe which permits tourism throughout the European Union (EU).
Similarly, the 27 member countries of the EU have established the Schengen visa for the convenience of tourists and to promote travel within their boundaries. Holders of this visa can travel anywhere within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a six-month period from the entry date.
Unified Visa Expected to Boost Gulf Economies
The introduction of the single visa by the GCC is anticipated to draw unprecedented numbers of tourists, with a positive impact on the hotel industry and positioning the region as a premier international tourist destination.
Discussions regarding the single visa have been ongoing since October of the previous year. Oman's Heritage and Tourism Minister, Salem bin Mohammed Al Ma'rouqi, confirmed that by December 2023 feedback had been gathered from all involved nations. This April, Minister Al Marri emphasized the single visa’s significance in attracting international tourists.
Officials in the UAE estimate that the GCC tourist visa will attract a record number of tourists to the Gulf countries, anticipating approximately 128.7 million visitors by 2030. This surge is expected to fortify economic stability and herald new business opportunities.
