In Muscat, the interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have collectively approved the implementation of a unified Gulf tourist visa. This significant decision was reached during the 40th meeting in Muscat, Oman, where high-profile ministers convened. Jasem Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary-General, affirmed that this step towards a unified visa system, with a specific timeline for implementation, underscores the increased cooperation among the Gulf states.
During the meeting, the ministers not only endorsed the unified visa but also gave the green light to the establishment of an electronic system to monitor traffic violations. Additionally, they directed efforts towards formulating a comprehensive strategy to address drug-related issues and reviewed ongoing security awareness campaigns.
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While an official timeline has not been officially announced, Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri of the United Arab Emirates had previously stated that the unified visa is expected to be introduced early next year. This unified visa would enable tourists to explore all six member countries of the Gulf bloc—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—with a single visa.
Industry experts anticipate that the Schengen-style tourist visa will be a game-changer, not only for the tourism sector but also for the overall economies of the GCC countries. It is expected to generate a wealth of job opportunities for both citizens and residents.
The inspiration for the unified visa system stems from the original Schengen zone, created in 1985, which allows free movement of people and goods without the need for travel or customs documents. This model presents opportunities for increased tourism-related revenue and offers minimal obstacles for travelers.
The discussion about implementing a Schengen-style visa in the GCC countries began circulating in May of this year. Fatima Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism in Bahrain, mentioned that discussions were ongoing at the ministerial level among GCC nations to achieve a unified single visa. The Gulf countries aim to streamline the visa process, allowing visitors to travel seamlessly between the member countries of the Gulf bloc, eliminating the need for separate visas for each of the six Gulf countries.
