GCC Countries To Introduce New ‘Schengen-Style’ Visa to Boost Tourism

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced its intention to introduce a "Schengen-style" visa for visitors that would allow holders to travel to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman with a single visa to boost tourism income and foot traffic for all nations in the area.

Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain, stated during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that discussions have been taking place at the cabinet level among GCC countries on how to establish a unified single visa.

"We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe, usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not just to each country but to all of us." Al Sairafi stated.

It is anticipated that the proposed Schengen-style visa for tourists in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will function similarly to the Schengen visa in Europe, enabling travellers to visit 26 European nations without the need for additional visas. Currently, travellers to GCC countries must obtain separate visas for each country they visit, which is causing a reduction in tourism. The goal of the proposed unified visa is to boost tourism revenue and make it simpler for visitors to travel around the GCC.

According to Abdullah Al Saleh, undersecretary for the Ministry of Economy, the development of the GCC economies depends heavily on the tourism industry. "We have one common market and unified policies. In the tourism sector, the GCC can benefit from both supply and demand sides by having umbrella regulations, policies, and procedures to facilitate growth."

According to Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, nowadays travellers consider a region rather than a country. "I believe travellers of tomorrow will always look at multiple stops, routes, and regions. Joint offerings can be promoted and benefit all," he said. 

Share this: