gulf union visit visa

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What the Gulf states new unified visa means for Saudi, UAE, other citizens

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Wednesday approved a unified tourist visa for all the organization's member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The new visa was announced at the 40th meeting of the GCC interior ministers, which took place under the chairmanship of Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, interior minister of Oman and president of the current session, in the Omani capital of Muscat.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that the visa represents a new achievement for the six-country bloc and will underpin “continuous communication and co-ordination” between members.

“The unified Gulf tourist visa is a project that will contribute to facilitating and streamlining the movement of residents and tourists between the six GCC countries and will, undoubtedly, have a positive [impact] on the economic and tourist sectors,” Albudaiwi said.

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  HE GCCSG: The Unified GCC Tourist Visa Project is New Achievement Added to the GCC Successes, in light of the Sound Directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the Council who Paid Attention to the Achievements of GCC Security Cooperation

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GCC tourism officials call for 'aligning' mega events ahead of unified visa launch

By co-ordinating on major events collectively, gulf region could attract globally renowned figures, saudi tourism chief says.

The tourist site of AlUla. The number of visitors to GCC countries reached 39.8 million in 2022. AFP

GCC tourism officials on Monday called for an aligning of mega events in the region as the six-nation economic bloc gets ready to launch a unified visa.

One of the main aims is to extend the length of stay of travellers coming to the region, which has been investing heavily in its tourism and business events sectors, said Khalid Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

"We want [leisure travellers] to combine their holidays here within the GCC and make it easy for them, so they can buy a package," Mr Al Midfa said during a panel session at the Arabian Travel Market event in Dubai.

"We might need to align some of the biggest mega events ... to work out in terms of timing, so we don't have overlapping events, and this will be definitely one of the things that we are going to work on with the rest of the GCC countries."

The remarks come as the GCC works on introducing a unified tourist visa, expected to open the Gulf region to tourists from the Middle East and around the world. The visa is expected to be launched either this year or next.

The number of visitors to GCC countries reached 39.8 million in 2022, showing a 136.6 per cent growth compared to 2021, with a target of reaching 128.7 million visitors by 2030.

Major aviation hubs in the region such as Dubai and Doha serve as a layover point for travellers en route to the US or Europe.

“We're at the phase where we're really studying the visa side [and] how it will work,” Mr Al Midfa said.

Unlike the Schengen visa, an entry permit for the 29 countries of the Schengen area, the GCC visa would be driven by the tourism sector, he said.

“Their vision and the structure was different and the objective was different. It was more maybe socio-economical [and] political. We structured [it] a bit differently for people to access the different GCC countries,” Mr Al Midfa said.

By co-ordinating on major events collectively, the GCC region could attract globally renowned figures, Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said during the same panel session.

“If we want to get the Taylor Swifts of the world, we can collaborate and get them to the region if we do it together,” he said.

“I really love the suggestion of aligning our calendar at least on the big events, not only the ones that we host individually.”

Saudi Arabia, which launched an e-visa for GCC residents last year, is working on “renovating” and “improving” its borders with several countries such as Qatar and Oman, Mr Hamidaddin said.

“On top of pro-business regulations related to access, I think, connectivity with high infrastructure capital investment, where only governments can take the lead, is also critical.

“Having a railway system that connects [the region] will also be a game-changer,” he said.

A GCC railway project, a 2,117km route connecting major cities in each of the six member states, is expected to be up and running by 2030.

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Unified tourist visa for six Gulf countries to start between 2024 and 2025, says UAE minister

• Environment

Gulf Cooperation Council’s tourism ministers meet in Oman, endorse rollout of scheme

Also in this package

• How unified visa will boost Gulf-wide tourism
• UAE weighs visa-free travel for Gulf residents to boost tourism
• UAE visit visa extension can be done only one time, for 30 days only
• Citizens of these countries can enter the UAE visa-free: List of 80+ countries
• UAE uses 4 languages in awareness drive to address entry, residency and labour violations

Abu Dhabi: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will roll out a unified Gulf tourist visa within the next two years, which will allow visa holders to travel across the six Gulf countries.

This was announced today by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, who said the seventh meeting of GCC tourism ministers in Oman has unanimously endorsed its rollout to be presented at the upcoming GCC summit.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the minister said that specific regulations and legislation for the visa will be developed, with a targeted rollout between 2024 and 2025, subject to the readiness of each GCC country’s internal systems.

Al Marri noted that this new visa will open doors to travellers, granting them access to six countries under a single, unified tourist visa, ultimately fostering economic synergy across the Gulf region.

Seven-emirate tourist route

He said the UAE is getting ready to welcome the new flow of international tourists with the introduction of the unified visa. The Emirates Tourism Council has formulated a tourist route within the UAE that interconnects its seven emirates, the minister said. This strategic move positions the UAE to be well-prepared and equipped for the integration with the GCC, upon fully activating the unified tourist visa, thereby introducing a new, enticing tourism product to captivate international tourists in the Arabian Gulf region.

“This initiative is an integral part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, designed to elevate the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP through increased inter-GCC travel and elevated hotel occupancy rates, transforming the GCC into a pre-eminent global destination for both regional and international tourists,” the UAE Minister added.

The tourism sector’s current contribution to the UAE’s GDP stands at 14 percent, with aspirations to raise this figure to 18 percent to fulfil the nation’s strategic tourism objectives.

Al Marri also emphasised that GCC countries possess sophisticated and qualified travel and tourism infrastructure. As of the end of 2022, the GCC boasted a total of 10,649 hotel establishments, marking a 1.2 percent growth compared to 2016. Within the GCC, the UAE alone boasts 1,114 hotel establishments, ranking second in the GCC after Saudi Arabia. The total number of hotel rooms in the GCC reached 674,832, with a 0.4 percent growth.

He further stated that the GCC joint tourism strategy ‘2023-2030’ targets an annual increase of seven percent in inbound trips to GCC countries. The number of visitors to GCC countries reached 39.8 million last year, showing a 136.6 percent growth compared to 2021, with a target of reaching 128.7 million visitors by 2030.

GCC countries aim to increase the spending of inbound tourists by 8.0 percent annually. It is expected to reach $96.9 billion by the end of 2023, with a 12.8 percent growth compared to 2022, and reach $188 billion by 2030.

He clarified that GCC countries aim to increase the direct GDP contribution of the travel and tourism sector by seven percent annually. The total value added to the GDP of GCC countries’ travel and tourism sector is expected to reach $185.9 billion in 2023, with an 8.5 percent growth compared to 2022, when it achieved $171.4 billion.

Al Marri pointed out that the GCC countries have 837 tourist sites, with the UAE having 399 of them, making it the GCC leader in the number of tourist sites. The UAE also hosts the majority of events and tourist activities in GCC countries, with 73 tourist events out of a total of 224 in the Gulf region.

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Gulf Countries Approve Unified Visa for Tourism

Josh Corder , Skift

October 9th, 2023 at 6:24 AM EDT

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the region's tourism powerhouses. A new unified visa looks to spread that success, but will mean the other countries have some developing to do.

Josh Corder

Gulf countries are forming a new “bloc” dedicated to furthering the region’s tourism sector. The much-anticipated ‘GCC zone’ unified visa should be announced by December to tie together the GCC states: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

The news came out of the seventh meeting of GCC ministers of tourism, held in Oman – the countries will be “transformed into a tourism bloc par excellence” said Oman’s minister of heritage and tourism, Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi. This decision received unanimous approval.

This visa was first mentioned in May 2023 at a conference in Dubai, where the countries’ ministers shared their hopes to unite the GCC so tourists would consider cross-country travel like they do in Europe.

Just last month, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri gave updates on this development during a conference in Abu Dhabi. “What’s good for Saudi is good for the GCC,” he said at the conference. “If the tide comes up, it pulls up all the boats.”

This new visa comes under the banner of the “Gulf Strategy for Tourism 2023-2030,” which ministers also said is in the works. The meeting also looked into the establishment of a GCC Tourism Statistics Platform.

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GCC Unified Visa – Application Process, Fees, and Validity Revealed!

Get ready to explore six Gulf nations with just one visa! The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced a groundbreaking unified tourist visa, allowing seamless travel across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This monumental step, set for implementation in 2024-2025 , promises to revolutionize tourism and unlock a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors.

Table of Contents

Gcc unified visa: streamlined application.

Gone are the days of navigating individual visa applications for each GCC country. The unified visa application process is designed to be simple, efficient, and user-friendly . Here’s what you can expect:

• Online Application:  Apply conveniently through a dedicated online platform accessible from any device. No more lengthy paper forms or embassy visits!
• Minimal Documentation:  Prepare essential documents like passport, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. No need for complex financial statements or employment verification.
• Multiple Entry Options:  Choose from single-entry visas for short stays to multiple-entry visas for extended exploration, catering to diverse travel needs.

Competitive Fees:

The GCC aims to make the unified visa accessible to travelers from around the world. While official fees haven’t been finalized, they are expected to be competitive and comparable to existing individual visa costs . This affordability factor will further boost the region’s tourism appeal.

Validity and Flexibility:

The unified tourist visa will offer flexible validity periods to suit various travel styles:

• Short Stays:  Explore one or two GCC countries for  30 days  with a single-entry visa.
• Extended Adventures:  Dive deeper into the region’s treasures with a  multiple-entry visa valid for 60 days  across all six nations.
• Tailored Options:  Additional visa options with longer validity periods might be introduced in the future, catering to specific travel plans.

A Gateway to the Gulf:

The GCC unified visa represents a landmark development in regional tourism and cooperation . By breaking down travel barriers and fostering closer ties, this initiative paves the way for a more vibrant, interconnected, and economically prosperous Gulf region. As travelers from around the globe prepare to experience the diverse wonders of the GCC, one visa unlocks a world of possibilities, promising an unforgettable journey across a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and boundless hospitality.

Unlocking a Brighter Future:

The GCC unified visa marks a significant step towards regional integration, economic growth, and enhanced cultural exchange . As travelers explore the unique offerings of each nation, they become ambassadors for the region’s rich heritage and foster closer ties between communities.

Stay Tuned for Updates:

While the official launch date and specific fees haven’t been announced yet, the GCC is actively working on finalizing the implementation details. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates and get ready to experience the magic of the Arabian Peninsula with just one visa!

This news article provides a comprehensive overview of the GCC unified visa application process, fees, and validity period based on current information. Remember to update the article with official details and specific costs once they are released.

• What is the GCC Unified Visa?   It’s a single visa that allows travel across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• When will it be available?   The official launch is expected in 2024-2025, but specific dates haven’t been announced yet.
• Why is it being implemented?   To boost tourism, simplify travel, and strengthen regional cooperation among the GCC countries.
• Will I still need individual visas for each country?   No, the unified visa replaces individual visas for all six countries.
• How do I apply for the GCC Unified Visa?   A dedicated online platform will be available for applications. No paper forms or embassy visits are required.
• What documents do I need?   Expect to provide your passport, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation, but specific requirements haven’t been finalized.
• How much will the visa cost?   Official fees are still under discussion, but they’re expected to be competitive and comparable to existing individual visa costs.
• Will there be different visa types?   Yes, options like single-entry for short stays and multiple-entry for longer journeys are likely to be available.
• How long will the visa be valid for?   Expect options like 30-day single-entry visas and 60-day multiple-entry visas, with longer validity periods potentially introduced later.
• Can I visit all six countries with one visa?   Yes, you can seamlessly travel between all six GCC countries during the visa’s validity period.
• Do I need any additional permits or registrations?   Check individual country travel regulations for specific requirements, like entry permits for certain areas.
• What can I do with the GCC Unified Visa?   Explore the diverse attractions of each country, from cultural experiences and historical sites to natural wonders and modern marvels.
• What are some must-see destinations in the GCC?   The vibrant souks of Dubai, the majestic dunes of Saudi Arabia, the pristine beaches of Oman, and the cultural renaissance of Qatar are just a few examples.
• What adventure activities can I enjoy?   Desert safaris, exhilarating water sports, world-class theme parks, and countless other exciting experiences await across the region.
• How will the visa benefit tourism in the GCC?   Increased tourist arrivals, more job opportunities, and higher revenue generation are expected across the region.
• Will the visa improve regional cooperation?   By facilitating travel and interaction, the unified visa can foster stronger ties and collaboration between the GCC countries.
• Does this visa apply to all nationalities?   Visa eligibility details are still being finalized, but it’s expected to be open to various nationalities.
• Where can I find official updates on the visa?   Official GCC channels and tourism websites will provide the latest information when available.
• Are there any concerns or challenges regarding the visa?   Logistical considerations and coordinating procedures across six countries are some potential challenges to be addressed.
• How can I stay informed about the GCC Unified Visa?   Follow relevant news channels, tourism websites, and social media updates for the latest developments.

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• Visa and Immigration in UAE

Unified GCC visa approved: How UAE residents, visitors will benefit

Schengen-style visa will help travellers explore the uae, saudi arabia, bahrain, qatar, oman and kuwait.

Nasreen Abdulla

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For Indian resident Mariam Bibi, every visit to the region is challenging. “My daughter lives in Sharjah while my son lives in Qatar,” she said. “So, every time I come, either I visit only one child, or I have to carefully plan about visas and travel dates well in advance if I want to visit both of them.”

Now, with the new unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa being unanimously approved by all countries , it could mean a world of difference to visitors like Mariam. “Ever since I heard of the visa, I have been keenly following the news,” she said. “When the unified visa comes, I can easily visit both my kids and also go see my brother who works in Muscat. I cannot wait for the visa to come into being.”

For thousands of residents and visitors, news of the new Schengen-style tourist visa has come as a breath of relief. GCC states unanimously approved the proposed visa , taking it one step closer to fruition. The announcement came at the 40th meeting of GCC ministers which took place in Oman.

Welcome move

Diana Mendoza works with a law firm and often has to travel across the region for her work. “My company takes care of all the documentation,” she said. “However, it is a bit of a pain to always make sure that I have all the visas because I often travel across at least three countries at a time. There are times when my travel plans had to be changed because the visas didn’t come through on time, Once the unified visa comes, I think it is going to make my life a breeze. I wouldn’t even mind paying a premium for it as I think it will be worth it.”

The visa will help travellers explore the six-member Gulf bloc – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. The move is expected to boost tourism and increase the number of visitors to the region manifolds. However, finer details about the visa, including the price, are yet to be revealed.

For travel enthusiasts Shafi and Siyad, the move is something that they are keenly awaiting. Last month, the friends drove along the coast of all six GCC countries — starting from Kuwait and ending in Kasab — in celebration of this visa. “For us, the proposed unified GCC visit visa is the best thing that could have happened to encourage travel in the region,” said Siyad. “We are hoping that once it comes into place, people will get inspired by us and explore more tourist locations in the GCC.”

The duo, who have travelled extensively across the region, say they currently take multiple visit visas to be able to travel across the entire bloc.

• Unified GCC tourist visa approved: What we know about the Schengen-style scheme
• UAE minister says unified GCC visa will be launched in 2024-25
• Unified Gulf visa: 2 UAE residents to drive across GCC to celebrate scheme
• Schengen-style visa for UAE, other GCC countries to attract more long-haul tourists, increase length of stay
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Visit visas

The UAE grants a foreigner a multi-entry or one-entry visa that allows him/her to visit the country for a specific purpose. A visit visa is also called an entry permit , and its purposes include tourism, vising a friend or a relative, a mission, exploring business or job opportunities, treatment, study and training, and transit.

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Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, are set to benefit from extended travel privileges as the European Union (EU) announced the issuance of five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.

The announcement was made by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation held in Luxembourg.

He said, “I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow to harmonise the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries.”

Borrell expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by harmonising visa rules.

The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens👇 pic.twitter.com/gV87IyhITx — EU in the GCC (@EUintheGCC) April 23, 2024

Schengen visa changes

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, allowing them to make multiple visits to Schengen Area countries within a calendar year.

However, travellers must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, limiting stays to a maximum of three months within any six-month period.

While specific details are yet to be officially released by EU authorities, it is anticipated that first-time applicants and eligible passport holders from the mentioned countries will benefit from the extended visa validity as well.

Notably, citizens of the UAE are currently the only GCC nationals who enjoy a visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, while discussions are ongoing between other GCC nations and the EU to further ease visa requirements.

Read: Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Earlier this year, talks saw EU countries consider the lifting of visa requirements for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar based on several key criteria, as revealed in a recent report:

• Irregular migration
• Public policy and security
• Economic benefits
• EU relations with the countries

The European Union Commission’s assessment concluded that both Kuwait and Qatar present a low risk in terms of irregular immigration.

Should the European visa requirements for these GCC countries be lifted, travellers would be eligible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Indian nationals benefit from new Schengen visa rule change

In addition to the visa changes for Gulf citizens, the EU has also adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals.

Eligible Indian travellers with an established travel history and prior Schengen visa usage will now be granted multiple-entry visas with extended validity, starting from two years and potentially extending to five years, subject to passport validity.

Previously, the standard rules of the Visa Code applied.

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Lost or Stolen VISA Credit Cards: (855) 319-8505 (toll free) or (301) 945-9948 (international calls only)

Visa Credit Card Inquires & Disputes: (24/7 cardholder service): (855) 319-8505

BALANCE Financial Fitness Counselors: (888) 456-2227

Mailing Address

Mailing Address:

Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union P.O. Box 11024 San Jose, CA 95103

Routing Number: 321176972

VISA Payment Mailing Address:

Santa Clara County FCU P.O. Box 2711 Omaha, NE 68103-2711

 NMLS# 415778

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