Here's What You Need To Know About The Schengen-Style Tourist Visa Approved By GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are one step closer to implementing a game-changing Schengen-style visa to encourage 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 unanimously accepted. The single visa is a tourist's ticket to the Gulf bloc's six members: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.

Several Gulf ministries and high officials, notably those in the UAE, have recently stated that the single visa would be available "soon." The long-awaited visa will increase career prospects while also helping regional economies. Here is what we know so far about this tourist visa:

What Is Unified GCC Visa?

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The GCC is considering introducing a visa allowing travellers 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, even though the destinations are connected by air and road.

Once implemented, the concept might result in GCC countries conducting cooperative public relations campaigns. Officials had earlier mentioned a shared booking platform and a single tourism website.

The cost and duration of the visa have yet to be disclosed. More information is likely to be released by the end of the year.

When Will The Visa Be Launched?

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According to Omani media, Minister Mahrouqi said the scheme would be introduced "very soon."

A timetable still needs to be provided, although the Oman Observer stated it would be presented at a meeting of regional interior ministers in Muscat in November.

How Will The Scheme Help?

In May of this year, a top UAE official stated that travellers, particularly long-distance ones, 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.

All six GCC nations would be accessible to visa holders, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.

Is It Possible To Obtain The Visa If You Are A Resident Of A GCC Country?

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Citizens of GCC countries can currently travel between member states without a visa.

It is still being determined if expatriates living in these countries can or must 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 allowing residents to travel freely between member states.

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

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