GCC leader says unified tourist visa plan has made significant headway

GCC Unified tourist visa

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is making significant strides in establishing a unified tourist visa, a move set to enhance tourism and economic collaboration within the region, according to Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted the progress of the GCC tourist visa project, which aims to streamline travel across the member states. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency, he emphasized that the project, initiated during the 44th GCC summit in Doha, is poised to significantly boost tourism among the Gulf countries.

In a related announcement last month, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri revealed that the visa will facilitate travel to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, allowing visitors to stay for over 30 days. Al Marri assured that the system is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

This unified visa initiative represents a pivotal step in promoting tourism and strengthening economic ties across the GCC member states.