The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the launch of a unified tourist visa program, aptly named “GCC Grand Tours.”
This innovative initiative is designed to simplify travel across the six GCC countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
The GCC Grand Tours visa will serve as a multi-entry visa, granting visitors seamless access to all six GCC countries. This eliminates the need for multiple visa applications, streamlining the entire travel process. Moreover, the visa is reported to offer a validity period exceeding 30 days, providing ample time for exploring the diverse offerings of the region.
This initiative offers numerous advantages for tourists:
The GCC Grand Tours visa is expected to significantly boost the region’s tourism industry:
While an official launch date has not been announced, GCC officials express confidence that the system will be operational by the end of 2024. Currently, efforts are focused on finalizing the program while ensuring security and technical considerations are addressed.
The introduction of the GCC Grand Tours visa marks a significant advancement for tourism in the region. By simplifying travel and fostering collaboration, this initiative aims to position the GCC as a premier destination for regional and international travelers alike.
As the GCC Grand Tours visa prepares to usher in a new era of regional travel, stakeholders are optimistic about its transformative impact on tourism economies. With streamlined processes and renewed collaboration, the Gulf is poised to emerge as a vibrant cultural hub and economic powerhouse on the global tourism stage.