The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are one step closer to implementing a game-changing Schengen-style visa to boost tourism in the area.
Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, stated last week during a meeting of GCC ministers in Muscat that the unified visa had been accepted unanimously. The single visa is a tourist ticket for the six members of the Gulf bloc: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
Several Gulf ministries and senior officials, particularly those in the United Arab Emirates, have recently stated that the single visa would be available “soon.” The long-awaited visa will increase career prospects and at the same time help regional economies. Here’s what we know so far about this tourist visa:
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- What is the GCC unified visa?
- When will the Visa be launched?
- How will the plan help?
- Is it possible to get the visa if you are a resident of a GCC country?
What is the GCC unified visa?
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The GCC is considering introducing a visa that allows travelers to move between Gulf bloc nations, similar to how a Schengen visa allows tourists to visit numerous European countries. Tourists must obtain visas for each of the six Gulf countries separately, although the destinations are connected by air and road.
Once implemented, the concept could result in GCC countries carrying out cooperative public relations campaigns. Officials had previously mentioned a shared booking platform and a single tourism website.
The cost and duration of the visa have not yet been revealed. More information is likely to be released later in the year.
When will the Visa be launched?
Credit: zawya
According to Omani media, Minister Mahrouqi said the plan would be introduced “very soon.”
A timetable still needs to be provided, although the Oman Observer said it would be presented at a meeting of regional interior ministers in Muscat in November.
How will the plan help?
In May this year, a senior UAE official stated that travelers, especially long-haul travelers, would benefit from a consolidated package to visit several GCC countries. In addition to increasing visitor spending, the initiative will extend their length of stay.
Visa holders would have access to all six GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
Is it possible to get the visa if you are a resident of a GCC country?
Credit: zawya
Currently, citizens of GCC countries can travel between member states without a visa.
It is still being determined whether expats living in these countries can or should apply for the unified visa once it is established.
However, last month, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri stated that the GCC is proposing a single visa system that allows residents to travel freely between member states.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn