Set to launch in December 2024, the eagerly awaited Schengen-style tourist visa will enable hassle-free travel across six Middle East countries, enhancing tourism and simplifying regional travel.

The new visa, a relief for countless residents and visitors, received unanimous approval from all Middle East states, moving it closer to implementation. This announcement was made during the 40th GCC ministers’ meeting in Oman.

This visa will facilitate travel among the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, significantly boosting tourism and attracting more visitors to the region. Although the visa’s cost has not been disclosed, its benefits are clear.

Travel agents and tour operators in the middle east are already planning tours leveraging the single visa, offering comprehensive itineraries across Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This proactive planning aims to maximize the new visa’s advantages and stimulate regional tourism.

The agreement simplifies travel throughout the Gulf region, with initial signatories including Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Mirroring the Schengen visa introduced in 1995, which now allows seamless travel across 25 European countries, the GCC’s initiative aims to boost tourism, particularly in Dubai, UAE, which recently saw record tourist numbers.

Launching at the end of December 2024, the Schengen-style visa will enable effortless travel across six Middle East nations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance tourism, making it easier for travelers to experience the Gulf region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.