Gulf countries, including the UAE, are considering providing a single visa to allow residents and visitors to travel freely between countries.
According to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which consists of six countries, is considering implementing a Schengen-style single visa system for member states.
This new system may be implemented in the near future.
Visa-free travel within the GCC is currently restricted to citizens of member nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
Expats living in these countries must apply for visas separately while visiting other member countries, though some nationalities may benefit from visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival privileges.
Earlier this year, a Bahraini official announced intentions for a pan-GCC “Schengen-style” tourist visa.
Fatima Al Sairafi stated at the Arabian Travel Market that ministerial-level discussions were underway about implementing this unified visa system, which is expected to be launched in the near future.
During the same panel discussion, a spokesperson from the UAE Ministry of Economy stated that this unified visa system would allow travelers to visit numerous GCC countries without restrictions, all while paying a single, streamlined fee.
