Launch of 'Arab Schengen': What Kazakhstan tourists need to know
Tengrinews.kz – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has confirmed the upcoming launch of a unified tourist visa that will allow seamless travel across six Middle Eastern countries.
According to Gulf News, the single-entry system will cover Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, eliminating the need for travelers to apply for separate visas to visit each state.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the project has already been approved and will be implemented soon. The main goal is to simplify travel procedures and enhance the region’s appeal to international tourists.
The new visa will be available online, with options for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Tourists will be able to choose between a single-country visa or a multi-entry visa valid across all six GCC nations.
The move aims to:
Cut bureaucracy by offering a digital application process;
Save time and money, especially for those planning multi-country itineraries;Increase travel flexibility, with travelers able to arrive in Dubai, hop to Doha, and continue to Muscat - all under one visa.
The GCC countries aim to:
Boost tourism by acting as a united bloc rather than competing individually;Extend the average stay of tourists, increasing local spending;Promote the Gulf as a joint brand, strengthening global marketing strategies;Signal openness and regional integration, with a clear message of modernization and cooperation.
What it means for Kazakhstani travelers
Currently:
UAE, Qatar, and Oman allow visa-free or e-visa access for Kazakhstan citizens;Saudi Arabia offers electronic visas;
Bahrain and Kuwait, however, still require a standard visa.
With the launch of the GCC unified visa, Kazakhstanis may soon enjoy greater travel freedom across the entire Gulf - potentially with just a single online application.
This "Arab Schengen" could mark a new era of travel convenience, making the Gulf not only more accessible but also more attractive for extended and multi-destination trips.