It’s not a secret that GCC citizens enjoy easy access to member states. This means they can travel freely between the countries without a visa. However, soon if the plans for a single visa system come into being, all the GCC residents, including the expatriates will be able to move freely between the member countries. Here’s all you need to know about, the possible single visa system
Single Visa System For The GCC?
According to a report by the Khaleej Times, it was revealed that the Gulf Cooperation Council is considering a single visa system. What this will do is, it will allow the residents here to travel freely between the member states. According Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, who is the Minister of Economy for the UAE revealed that it could be introduced soon. As it happens, this is a brilliant development since presently, only citizens of the GCC countries are allowed to travel between the member countries visa-free.
In case you’re wondering, these include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. With the introduction of a single visa, expatriates who reside in these countries will also be able to move freely. It’s worth mentioning that currently, they have to apply for a visa before they travel to any of the member states with some nationalities already having visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival privileges.
Also Read: Oman-UAE Bus Service To Resume On October 1; Here’s All About The Tickets & Baggage Allowance
A Schengen-Style Visa For GCC As Well?
The plan was revealed at the Future Hospitality Summit in Abu Dhabi, which happened on Tuesday, September 26. Not to mention, this is a major development as it comes after recently, Bahrain’s tourism Minister also announced plans for the possible introduction of Schengen-style visas for tourists for the GCC. Revealed during the Arabian Travel Market, Fatima Al Sairafi mentioned that there were some ministerial-level discussions that had been taking place for the implementation of this unified visa.
So, if this single visa system is introduced, it will help tourists to visit multiple countries at a time without restrictions.
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