The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has approved a unified tourist visa for its member states – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Modeled after the European Schengen visa, this initiative aims to boost tourism in the Gulf region and streamline travel logistics.
Similar to the Schengen visa, the unified tourist visa for Gulf countries will allow travelers to explore all member states with a single visa. Presently, the Schengen visa permits tourists to visit 27 European countries.
The launch of the unified tourist visa is anticipated in 2024-25, providing travelers with the convenience of simplified travel arrangements. Currently, individuals planning to visit multiple Gulf countries need to apply for separate visas for each destination.
As of now, Oman and Qatar allow visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, while travelers heading to Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates require separate electronic visas or e-visas. The introduction of the unified tourist visa is poised to make travel within the Gulf region more accessible and seamless.
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