Schengen-like Visa To Travel Across All 6 Gulf Countries

Fri 2 Dhul Qidah 1445AH 10-5-2024AD

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has introduced a new tourist visa program called “GCC Grand Tours.”

This program makes traveling across the six GCC countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait – easier.

The GCC Grand Tours visa allows visitors to enter all six countries multiple times.
You only need to apply for one visa instead of separate ones for each country.
The visa is valid for more than 30 days, so you have plenty of time to explore the region.

This visa makes traveling in the GCC simpler and more convenient for tourists.

Convenience: With a single visa, tourists no longer need to apply for separate visas for each country, making travel more convenient.
Affordability: Simplified travel may result in cost savings on visa fees for tourists.
Flexibility: A more leisurely and in-depth exploration of the area is made possible by the extended validity period.
Destination Hopping: Tourists can easily hop between GCC countries, experiencing their unique cultures, landscapes, and attractions.

Increased Tourist Numbers: Easier travel is expected to attract more visitors to the GCC.
Longer Stays: The longer visa validity encourages tourists to stay longer, benefiting local hotels and businesses.
Regional Collaboration: The initiative promotes collaboration among GCC countries, presenting the region as a unified tourist destination.

An official launch date for the GCC Grand Tours visa has not been announced yet, but GCC officials are confident that the system will be operational by the end of 2024. Currently, efforts are focused on finalising the program while addressing security and technical considerations.

The introduction of the GCC Grand Tours visa represents a significant advancement for tourism in the region. By simplifying travel and encouraging collaboration, this initiative aims to establish the GCC as a top destination for both regional and international travelers.

The visa primarily benefits expatriates residing in the GCC, as GCC citizens already have visa-free travel within the region.
GCC countries are collaborating with tourism operators to create package tours covering the entire region.
Investments in infrastructure, such as airports, cruise terminals, and the upcoming GCC Railway, will further improve accessibility within the region.
Stakeholders are optimistic about the transformative impact of the GCC Grand Tours visa on tourism economies. With streamlined processes and increased collaboration, the Gulf region is positioned to become a vibrant cultural and economic hub on the global tourism stage.