GCC unified tourist visa: For Dh4,000, visitors can soon explore multiple Gulf countries

GCC unified tourist visa: For Dh4,000, visitors can soon explore multiple Gulf countries

Published: Mon 13 May 2024, 6:00 AM

Local and global travel agencies will soon roll out packages for tourists who will visit the Gulf region ahead of the launch of the unified GCC tourist visa.

Travel and tourism industry executives say that packages which will include a couple of night stays in three countries could cost visitors Dh4,000-Dh5,000 and above, covering travel, hotel and sightseeing in three countries.

During a ministerial discussion at the Arabian Travel Market last week, officials said that the systems to launch the 'GCC Grand Tours' visa will be in place by the end of this year. The visa will be similar to a Schengen-style visa, allowing visa holders to explore all six Gulf countries.

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Rehan Asad, vice president for global markets at Expedia, said the unified GCC tourist visa is a really meaningful positive change for this region.

He added that when Europe started the Schengen visa, it really amplified and helped the region’s tourism sector and allowed people to do cross-flight from one to another country. “People from UAE love to travel to Saudi Arabia and Oman and vice-versa, hence, this will drive intra-country traffic and help