The new Schengen-style GCC visa launching in December 2024 will allow seamless travel across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and UAE, boosting tourism.
The eagerly awaited Schengen-style tourist visa, set to debut in December 2024, promises seamless travel across six GCC countries, enhancing tourism and simplifying regional exploration. This development follows the completion of statutory compliance and has received unanimous approval from all GCC states, bringing it closer to reality. The announcement was made during the 40th GCC ministers’ meeting in Oman.
The new visa will facilitate travel across the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) bloc, comprising the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. While specific details, such as the visa’s cost remain undisclosed, the initiative is poised to boost tourism and attract more visitors to the region.
Travel agents and tour operators in the GCC are already planning comprehensive itineraries that leverage the simplified single visa, offering tours across Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This proactive approach aims to maximise the benefits of the new visa for travellers and stimulate regional tourism.
The visa agreement simplifies travel across the Gulf region, with initial signatories including Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Drawing parallels to the Schengen visa, introduced in 1995, which initially allowed seamless travel across seven European countries and now covers 25 nations, the GCC aims to boost tourism by attracting more visitors, especially to Dubai in the UAE, which hosted a record number of tourists last year.
The new Schengen-style visa will simplify travel across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and UAE. Like the Schengen Zone in Europe, this visa allows travellers to explore multiple countries with ease, promoting more trips and increasing tourism. By removing the need for separate visas for each country, more people can travel freely, boosting regional tourism and making cross-border trips more convenient.
With its launch at the end of December 2024, the Schengen-style visa will enable seamless travel across the six GCC nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. This initiative is expected to significantly increase tourism, making it easier for travellers to explore the Gulf region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Brief Overview of GCC Countries
United Arab Emirates (UAE)The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, is famous for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Highlights include Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia, the largest Middle Eastern country, is the birthplace of Islam, with holy cities Mecca and Medina. It is investing in tourism with projects like NEOM and Red Sea resorts.
BahrainBahrain, an island nation, offers a rich history, the Bahrain Fort, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. It blends modern infrastructure with cultural heritage.
QatarQatar features futuristic architecture and cultural hubs like the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. It will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, showcasing its global tourism appeal.
OmanOman boasts stunning natural landscapes and a mix of modernity and tradition in Muscat. Key attractions include the Jebel Akhdar Mountains and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
KuwaitKuwait, known for its oil wealth, features modern architecture like the Kuwait Towers and a vibrant cultural scene. It offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
