New visa regime being announced by middle eastern gulf states

A good news for Pakistani travellers! A new Schengen-style visa has been planned to introduce in near future for easy travel to Middle Eastern countries. With the help of this new Schengen-style visa, Pakistani travellers will be able to easily travel across six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, it is a significant step to transform the travel and tourism industry in Gulf nations. This innovative visa for six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is expected to be introduced between 2024 and 2025, it marks a convenient travel experience for tourists interested in visiting the Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.

Revolutionizing GCC Travel and Tourism Sector

This Schengen-style visa is part of a broader strategy to boost the Middle East’s tourism sector, drive economic growth and set the region as a leading global tourism hub. Known for their unique blend of modern infrastructure and traditional values, these GCC nations have a long history of attracting travellers worldwide. With the introduction of this unified visa, tourists will no longer need to obtain multiple visas to explore the region, significantly enhancing the convenience and appeal of visiting the Middle East. This crucial step is anticipated to elevate growth in the GCC region’s tourism sector.

Easy GCC Travel for Pakistani Tourists

In the near future, Pakistani tourists will have the opportunity to explore multiple GCC countries with a single Schengen-style visa, and we are here to help you obtain it. When this new visa becomes available, InshAllah, our visa services will assist Pakistani travellers in securing it. With this new Schengen-style visa, Pakistani tourists will be able to easily visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait without the need for separate visas for each country, making your travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.

The World Expo 2030 Event

A key element in Saudi Arabia’s Vision is the World Expo 2030, an event aimed at showcasing the nation’s transformative journey and ambitious goals. The Saudi Arabia Expo 2030 will highlight advancements in technology, culture, sustainability, and economic diversification, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and development. This massive event is expected to attract international collaboration, promote tourism and will underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a vibrant society and a thriving economy. The Saudi Arabia Expo will serve as a platform to present its vision to the world while reflecting its cultural heritage & future endeavours too.

Approval of This Schengen-Style Visa

All GCC countries have agreed to introduce this new Schengen-style visa, showing their shared commitment to increasing tourism across the Middle East. The decision was announced at the 40^th GCC ministers’ meeting in Oman, where they confirmed that the visa would be ready by 2025 after completing all necessary legal steps. This move is a strategic effort to make the Middle East a top global tourism destination, attracting visitors from both the region and around the world.

Comparison to the Europe’s Schengen Visa

The new GCC visa is similar to Europe’s Schengen Visa, which was introduced in 1995 and made travel between European countries much easier, boosting tourism. This new Schengen visa for GCC is expected to have a similar effect, making travel across the Middle East simpler and faster. Tour operators will find it easier to plan trips, and business travellers will benefit from the smoother process, likely leading to more visits and economic growth in the region.

Goals & Aims of Schengen-Style Visa for GCC Nations

Here are aims and goals of this new Schengen-style visa for GCC nations:

Boost Regional Tourism: This new Schengen-style visa will significantly enhance tourism across the GCC nations by simplifying travel between Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
Economic Growth: By increasing tourist influx, the visa is expected to drive economic growth across the Middle East, contributing to the GDP of each member nation through increased investments in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Regional Integration: The visa represents a strategic move toward greater regional integration, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel smoothly across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Global Tourism Hub: The initiative aligns with the GCC’s long-term goal of positioning the Middle East as a leading global tourism destination, projecting the diverse cultural, historical, and modern attractions of the Gulf.
Simplified Travel: By eliminating the need for multiple visas, the Schengen-style visa aims to simplify and expedite the travel process for tourists, making these regions more accessible and attractive.
Support for Major Events: The visa is expected to facilitate attendance at major international events, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision World Expo 2030, by allowing easier access to all participating GCC countries.
Post-Pandemic Recovery: The visa initiative is designed to help the Middle East’s tourism industry recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by attracting a new wave of international tourists.
Enhanced Hospitality Industry: The anticipated surge in tourism is expected to boost demand for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services, aiming further investment and growth in the hospitality industry.
Strengthening Economic Ties: This Schengen Visa for GCC countries will promote greater collaboration and investment among GCC countries, further integrating their economies and strengthening their collective global presence.
Increased Tourists: With this unified visa, the GCC aims to significantly increase the number of visitors to the region, with a target of 128.7 million tourists annually by 2030.

;