Posted inPolitics & Economics

Unified GCC visa policy being mulled by tourism ministers

Schengen-style visa would allow a person to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman under a single visa

A unified GCC visa for tourist and businesspeople from 35 Arab and foreign countries could be available, according a high-ranking Kuwaiti official.

Arab News reports that Samira Al Gharib, assistant undersecretary for tourism at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Trade, told a local newspaper that the GCC interior ministries are considering introducing a “unified tourism visa”.

The Schengen-style visa would allow a person to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman under a single visa once the system is finalised.

“The unified visa targets frequent visitors to the GCC,” Al Gharib told the newspaper.

With a number of hurdles to overcome before it becomes a reality, she added that the new visa would not be introduced by next year.

The new visa is one of seven recommendations put forward to promote regional tourism by the GCC.

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