1/7/2024–|Last update: 1/7/202408:36 PM (Mecca time)
Doha The unified Gulf visa is about to enter into force, becoming a unified key to the doors of the Arab Gulf countries, in a step that observers considered very important because it contributes to enhancing cooperation and deepening tourism, economic, and even political ties between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which highlights the position of the Gulf countries as a tourist destination. Distinguished globally, by facilitating the movement of tourists and incoming visitors between the GCC countries.
Where did the unified Gulf visa reach?
The relevant Gulf technical committees are now working to determine the form and nature of the unified Gulf tourist visa, which was approved by the 44th Gulf Summit, according to what was confirmed by the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, during the eighth ministerial meeting of the ministers responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Al-Badawi pointed out that these committees are also studying how to work with this visa, in preparation for introducing it according to the systems and laws of all GCC countries, stressing in the same context that the unified tourist visa aims to attract foreign tourist flows to the GCC countries, and to activate the components of the important vital sector.
Expected launch #Gulf_Visa The unified tourist visa, which allows visitors to visit all GCC countries, will be launched in December 2024, according to Gulf officials who participated in the Arabian Travel Market in #Dubai.
Officials say the unified visa system will be ready before the end of the year, and will be called the “GCC Grand… pic.twitter.com/4OxsyjAJAD– Tourism News Agency (@tna_media24) May 8, 2024
When does the visa take effect and how long does it last?
The unified Gulf tourist visa approved by the 44th Gulf Summit, which was held in Doha, last December, will enter into force early next year, with a duration of 30 days during which tourists will be allowed to visit the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries with the same visa, similar to a visa. Schengen, which links European Union countries with a single entry visa, and the new visa system will allow simplification of travel procedures for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as well.
How does the visa support the Gulf tourism sector?
The unified visa will facilitate the movement of tourists and visitors between the GCC countries with ease and simplicity, thus enhancing the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth, and opening new opportunities for investment in the tourism sector in each of the member states, which will be reflected in the national product of the economies of the GCC countries and in all sectors.
According to observers, the GCC countries have become an approved tourist destination due to their international credibility, political stability, infrastructure, airports, and open skies, in addition to many elements of tourist attraction, which the GCC countries have worked on as one of the most important sectors to diversify their sources of income.
A single visa to enter the GCC countries after the Interior Ministers were authorized to take the necessary measures to implement the unified Gulf tourist visa. #Government_Communication pic.twitter.com/C1TSeIvyji
— Government Communication (@CGCSaudi) December 11, 2023
What does the visa offer for the Gulf Integration Plan?
The researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, Dr. Ahmed Qasim Hussein, says that the unified Gulf visa contributes to enhancing Gulf integration and cooperation through many aspects, the most important of which is strengthening the common Gulf identity by facilitating the movement of individuals, both citizens and residents of the Arab Gulf countries, in a way that makes it possible to establish a community. An integrated Gulf model similar to the Schengen Agreement between European countries, which was a decisive factor in establishing a common European identity and creating a unified and shared European space.
On another level, Hussein believes that the joint visa will also contribute to encouraging trade, investment and tourism by facilitating the movement of individuals, businessmen and investors, especially since the Gulf countries have similar economies and future plans in encouraging investments and tourism, diversifying sources of income, and not being dependent on energy as a primary source in building their economic strength. .
According to Hussein, the visa also establishes a type of security cooperation through the exchange of security information and coordination of joint efforts to confront all security threats, most notably combating terrorism and organized crime.
His Excellency Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism:
• The unified Gulf tourist visa is in its final stages between the relevant authorities in the GCC countries and may see the light of day in late 2024.#Nadeeb_Qatar | #Qatar 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/jwpj0v9i9f
— Nadeeb Qatar (@NadeebQa) March 19, 2024
What gains will you achieve politically?
The researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies believes that strengthening political unity and internal stability among the Arab Gulf states is one of the gains that the unified Gulf visa may contribute to achieving, which is the first building block towards achieving Gulf integration at the political level, especially since we are facing the dissolution of political borders in the face of the movement. Individuals, which contributes to the unity of the Gulf ranks.
He explained that the visa will limit or reduce external pressures on the Gulf countries and increase their immunity and ability to face external challenges in an effective manner. Therefore, it may serve as a model to be emulated if the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council agree to implement it for integration in other regions of the Arab region, such as the Maghreb region, and in the future the Levant region, which includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and occupied Palestine.
Is the unified Gulf visa a step forward?
Regarding the importance of the unified visa in increasing the Gulf influence and impact in the region and the world, Dr. Ahmed stressed that the unified Gulf visa will play an important role in developing integration between the Gulf Arab states at various political, economic and social levels, and increasing the regional influence and impact of the Gulf region. It is a first step towards unifying economic policies between these states, and enhancing security cooperation in various fields, which ultimately supports common positions on various international issues, and makes the Gulf Arab region an influential and effective international force in international politics.
GCC tourism ministers hope the unified visa will simplify routine travel procedures and encourage travellers to stay longer and travel more widely while in the Gulf region, thus boosting their individual and collective economies.
The unified Gulf visa is expected to be a boom for the cruise industry in the region, as cruise passengers will no longer have to apply for visas for each port of call.
