Rabat – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have greenlit the Unified Tourist Visa, allowing for unrestricted movement for tourists and visitors across member nations.
The “historic step reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration and deepening ties across various sectors,” Minister Al-Khateeb was quoted as saying after the GCC’s Supreme Council gave its nod of approval.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of the visa scheme in elevating the Gulf countries’ global standing as a premier tourist destination, Al-Khateeb explained that the visa aligns with the ongoing development and progress observed in GCC states across multiple domains.
“The approval of this visa will significantly enhance connectivity and integration among our nations,” he insisted.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the broader implications, stating that the deal “will not only facilitate tourism but also create fresh avenues for investment within each member state’s burgeoning tourism sector.”
The news comes following the adoption of the Gulf Tourism Strategy during a pivotal meeting in Al-Ula last November.
The initial talks about introducing the visa took place during a Dubai conference in May this year. Ministers from various countries shared their proposals to enhance GCC unity, aiming to make travel between nations similar to the EU’s Schengen Zone for passengers.
The newly introduced tourist visa is a component of the ongoing Gulf Strategy for Tourism 2023-2030, which GCC ministers said was under development in October.
In addition to the unified visa system, GCC ministers said that they are deliberating the possibility of launching a GCC Tourism Statistics Platform.
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