GCC Unified Visa to Be Rolled Out Soon: What This Means for Business and Investment Opportunities in Oman
Muscat: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is poised to introduce a unified tourist visa, according to a senior official from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Minister stated that the single GCC tourist visa has been approved and is currently under review by the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities, with implementation expected soon.
Once operational, this visa will grant access to all six GCC member states, streamlining travel for both tourists and residents. It aims to reduce paperwork, facilitate easier border crossings, and boost regional tourism.
Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism previously told the Majlis Ash’shura that the rollout of the unified visa might take time due to security concerns and differing views among GCC countries. Discussions are ongoing, particularly regarding specific nationalities from regions with instability.
The unified visa was officially endorsed in 2023 as part of the GCC’s strategy to enhance tourism. It is designed to simplify travel for non-GCC nationals living within member countries, allowing them to visit multiple states without the need for separate entry permits.
Tourists will benefit from seamless travel across the GCC, potentially lowering travel costs and improving their overall experience.
Data from the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-Stat) reveals that 68.1 million international tourists visited GCC countries by the end of 2023. This figure represents 52.9% of the region’s first strategic goal under the 2023–2030 joint tourism strategy, which targets 128.7 million tourist arrivals.
In terms of revenue, international tourism receipts in the GCC reached USD 110.4 billion by the end of 2023, marking a 28.2% increase since 2019. This amount constitutes 58.7% of the second strategic objective to raise international tourist spending to USD 188 billion.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The upcoming unified GCC tourist visa presents a significant opportunity for Oman’s tourism and hospitality sectors by simplifying travel and attracting more regional and international visitors. However, businesses should prepare for gradual implementation due to security and regulatory concerns that may affect rollout timelines. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on enhancing cross-border tourism services and experiences, capitalizing on the projected increase in tourist arrivals and spending across the Gulf.
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