The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved the implementation of a common tourism visa, marking a milestone in regional travel. This decision comes after extensive discussions and deliberations over recent months.
The announcement was made by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, during a meeting of regional interior ministers at the GCC summit held in Muscat, Oman on November 8. The Secretary-General praised the new visa as a significant achievement for the region, emphasizing that the implementation of the GCC tourist visa should occur within a specific timeframe.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, had previously indicated in an interview with the state news agency, wam, that the rollout of the unified tourism visa would likely take place by 2025. This is contingent upon the development of specific regulations and legislation, as well as the readiness of each country’s internal systems. The launch is expected to occur between 2024 and 2025.
The introduction of the GCC common tourism visa means that visitors to the region will be able to use a single visa to visit all six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This will significantly simplify travel within the region, making it easier for tourists to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.
Boosting Regional Tourism
The common tourism visa is a key part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP through increased inter-GCC travel and higher hotel occupancy rates. The goal is to transform the GCC into a leading global destination for both regional and international tourists.
Speaking at the Future Hospitality event in Abu Dhabi in September, the UAE’s Minister of Economy highlighted that a GCC-wide tourism visa would not only simplify travel but also boost tourism in the region. This move is expected to have a significant positive impact on the regional economy, further solidifying the GCC’s position as a global tourism hub.