Everything to know about “GCC Grand Tours” – The newly introduced GCC unified tourist visa
A new visa attracting considerable attention involves the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC tourist visa is a unified permit designed to simplify travel across all six Gulf countries.
The UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, announced this visa in May 2024 at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), although it had been approved since late 2023 by a unanimous vote of GCC Interior Ministers at their 40th meeting in Muscat, Oman. The announcement included the official name “GCC Grand Tours” and a likely launch timeframe of late 2024 to early 2025.
This unified visa is expected to deliver significant economic benefits and become a popular option for international travellers. The following is an overview of the GCC unified tourist visa.
What is the GCC unified tourist visa?
The GCC unified tourist visa was created to facilitate movement between the six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visa will permit entry to these countries within a specified timeframe.
The visa is one of many GCC initiatives, reflecting the council’s purpose to unify regional economic affairs, promote information exchange and enhance regional stability. Following its announcement, it was confirmed that the official name of the visa would be “GCC Grand Tours”.
The GCC Grand Tours visa has a structure similar to the European Schengen visa, which allows non-Europeans to travel freely among the 29 countries in the Schengen area. With fewer countries involved, the GCC unified visa offers the possibility of visiting all six nations during the validity period.
How does the GCC unified tourist visa work?
The visa is expected to function in the manner of other visas, requiring an application process, having a fixed validity period and granting access to the member states.
As the visa has not yet officially launched, the precise structure and requirements remain subject to confirmation.
Expected details of the unified tourist visa
Starting date: Late 2024 or early 2025
Countries covered: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
Applicant eligibility: Citizens, residents or tourists in one of the six GCC countries
Visa duration: Valid for up to 30 days, extendable once
Expected requirements for the GCC tourist visa
It is anticipated that requirements will align with the current GCC entry visa, including:
A valid passport or travel document
A completed application form
Evidence of travel arrangements
Proof of accommodation
Proof of financial means
Payment of the visa fee
Passport-sized photograph (white background)
Visa application process
The process is expected to involve:
Completion of an online application
Submission of required documentation
Payment of the visa fee
Receipt of the visa upon approval
Benefits of the GCC unified tourist visa
The unified visa is designed to reduce costs and simplify travel throughout the region. It provides comprehensive access to the six GCC countries under a single permit, enabling visits to multiple destinations during one trip.
This arrangement is intended to make the region more attractive to international visitors, streamlining travel planning and reducing administrative burdens. The unified tourist visa is expected to save time and resources while increasing travel convenience.
Economic impact on the GCC countries
A key objective of the GCC is the unification of regional economic affairs, and the introduction of this visa aligns with that aim. The unified visa is part of the Gulf Strategy for Tourism 2023–2030 and supports enhanced mobility between member states.
According to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, industry experts predict that the visa could help increase visitor numbers to nearly 130 million by 2030.
Although the GCC countries are established tourist destinations, challenges such as COVID-19 and the requirement for separate visas have constrained tourism potential. The unified visa is expected to lead to growth in hospitality sectors including hotels, restaurants, heritage sites and retail, fostering stronger economic ties and reinforcing the region’s status as a global tourism hub.
FAQs
What is the cost of the GCC unified tourist visa?
The cost has not yet been announced, but estimates suggest approximately AED 367.24 (USD 100).
What is the total population of the GCC countries?
The combined population is approximately 56.4 million.
Can applications for the GCC unified visa be submitted online?
The visa is not yet available for application as of October 2024.
Where can further information about the GCC unified tourist visa be found?
Details about the unified tourist visa are be provided on the Gulf Cooperation Council’s website.
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