Gulf countries mull visa similar to Schengen
Gulf nations are exploring a unified, Schengen-style visa to boost tourism and economic growth across the GCC region.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar—is exploring the possibility of introducing a regional tourist visa modeled after Europe’s Schengen system. The proposal was announced by Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism as a means to further stimulate economic growth.
The announcement came during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from May 1–4. Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima al-Sairafi stated that GCC countries are studying how to implement a unified visa. Speaking at the event, she highlighted that travelers visiting Europe typically explore multiple countries rather than one country in isolation. “Visitors will be more satisfied visiting several countries without restrictions,” said Abdullah al-Saleh, Deputy Secretary-General of the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, emphasizing the added value this approach could bring to the entire region.
The Schengen visa, which allows seamless travel across 26 European countries, has long facilitated tourism and business, while supporting regional economic growth. Should the GCC successfully roll out a comparable system, experts anticipate a significant boost to tourism and cross-border economic activity across the Gulf, further strengthening regional economic and cultural ties.
Implementation of such a visa system will require substantial coordination and cooperation among the GCC member states. Its potential reception by the international community and long-term impact on Gulf tourism and economies remain to be seen. Still, the initiative holds substantial promise for transforming travel across the region while driving economic growth.
In 2022, Saudi Arabia welcomed 18 million tourists, the UAE welcomed 15 million, while Bahrain drew 4.3 million, Qatar 2.9 million, and Oman 2.3 million.
