GCC’s Unified Tourist Visa All Set For Launch
The much-awaited GCC’s Schengen-style visa is all set for its launch after several meetings and discussions. The tourists visiting the Gulf countries may soon seamlessly travel across borders as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has prepared to roll out the unified tourist visa.
This initiative was taken to simplify cross-border tourism and to boost regional economic integration. One can now travel to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
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GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi confirmed the development on Wednesday. “The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation,” he said, highlighting the collaborative efforts among Gulf nations.
He also hailed the collective efforts of Gulf member states in advancing the initiative. According to Al Budaiwi, the system will meet “global security standards” and leverage the latest technology to ensure secure and efficient processing.
The unified visa was officially approved in November 2023 during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman. As the final terms are still being confirmed, the known features of the visa include multi-country access with one visa, valid for tourism and family visits, online application, providing the option to choose between one-country to six-country access, and likely validity is from 30 to 90 days.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa will reportedly come with extended validity and lower overall costs, especially compared to getting six separate visas. That means more travel, less paperwork.
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Documents needed for applying:
Though the final list may vary depending on your nationality and travel plans, here’s what travellers will likely have to provide:
• Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
• Completed online application form
• Recent passport-size photo
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Travel insurance covering medical needs
• Proof of funds (bank statements or similar documents)
• Return or onward travel ticket
Though the launch date has not been announced by the authorities, it is said that the system is in its final stage and is expected to go live soon.
