Latest news with #EuropeanSchengen
Observer
20 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Explore the Gulf with a single tourist visa
In a significant step towards enhanced regional integration in tourism, digital economy and security, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to roll out a unified Gulf visa by the end of 2025. Dubbed the GCC Grand Tours Visa, this historic initiative aims to facilitate tourist movement in the region. It has garnered consensus from Gulf nations and international support, drawing inspiration from the European Schengen visa model. The unified tourist visa was a key topic at the 39th meeting of the GCC Passport Directors-General, recently held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen cooperation," the GCC Secretary-General Jassem al Budaiwi said after the meeting. This visa allows its holder to enter the Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain without the need to obtain separate visas for each country. According to details available so far, the visa is designed to allow travellers to choose between a single-country visa and a multi-country option. This change aims to simplify the planning and execution of multi-country trips across the Gulf region. However, it does not include provisions for employment or long-term stay. While this initiative is a strategic effort to enhance the Gulf countries' status as a cohesive tourist destination on the global stage, it will also pave the way for greater integration in the sectors of transport, hospitality, security and collaborative investment in tourism infrastructure, airports and hotels, while simultaneously creating more job opportunities. Estimates from Gulf tourism authorities indicate that the visa application process is expected to increase the number of visitors to approximately 128.7 million by 2030, thereby enhancing the Gulf's status as a global tourist destination. It is a well-established fact that travellers worldwide are the driving force behind the GCC's special interest tourism sector, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, luxury experiences and cultural attractions that appeal to high-spending visitors. According to Future Market Insights Inc, a US-based research firm, the special interest tourism market in the Gulf Cooperation Council is projected to experience substantial growth, rising from $1 billion in 2025 to $5.9 billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate during this period is expected to reach 19.2 per cent. 'The special interest tourism industry in the GCC countries continues to grow as governments invest in niche travel experiences that cater to diverse preferences. Each country within the Gulf Cooperation Council has established a distinct tourism identity and welcomes visitors seeking cultural experiences, adventure and luxury,' notes the research firm in its report. According to the report, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as leading destinations, attracting millions of visitors seeking novel and exclusive experiences. When discussing Oman, the report highlights that the country has leveraged its rich heritage and modern attractions to draw international visitors, especially from Europe, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive Gulf tourism market through its cultural, natural and historical offerings. 'Oman flourishes as a nature and cultural tourism destination. Tourists come to its craggy mountains for trekking in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, while the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab offer a stunning retreat. Traditional dhow cruises in Musandam provide an authentic Arabian Gulf experience, complementing the country's growing eco-tourism initiatives," the Future Market report further states. In alignment with several Gulf countries, Oman is intensifying its efforts to attract international tourists to achieve its goal of approximately 11.7 million visitors annually and create 500,000 jobs by 2040. This initiative is part of its sustainable tourism strategy. Oman Vision 2040 establishes clear objectives for the tourism industry, including strengthening infrastructure development through increased investments and promoting the country's unique cultural heritage and landscape. Looking ahead, the introduction of new policies and initiatives, such as the unified visa, is expected to pave the way for sustained growth in tourist arrivals in Oman and other GCC countries in the coming years.
Leaders
26-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
GCC Grand Tours Visa: Your Gateway to Exploring Gulf Countries
Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Gulf countries with a single tourist visa, known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa. The new visa, which will debut soon, will provide a seamless travel experience for non-GCC nationals, allowing them to tour all six GCC countries with a single visa, namely Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. GCC Grand Tours Visa The UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, made the GCC Grand Tours Visa official announcement during the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp on June 16, 2025. Al-Marri revealed that the visa has been formally approved and is pending implementation. With the official launch expected by the end of 2025, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will streamline regional travel for non-GCC nationals and residents, enabling them to travel to multiple destinations via a single online application process. Unified Visa Details Although the final details have yet to be revealed, the unified visa will have unique features that allow hassle-free travel across the GCC's six countries, similar to the European Schengen visa. The GCC Grand Tours Visa will likely be valid for tourism purposes and family visits, with a validity period ranging from 30 to 90 days. It will also include the option of applying for one-country or six-country access. Thus, it will come at lower costs than applying for multiple separate visas. Boosting GCC Ties The unified visa aims to strengthen ties and GCC integration by streamlining the visa issuance process, in addition to providing increased access to the Gulf countries. The move also marks a major stride towards fostering cultural exchange and boosting tourism and economic growth across the GCC countries through increased hotel and airline bookings and retail expenditure, in line with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy. Required Documents: Valid passport Completed application form Passport-sized photos Additional Documents: Some applications may require additional documents based on their nationality and purpose of visit, such as: proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, travel insurance, proof of financial means, and return or onward ticket. How to Apply: Fill out the online application Submit required documents Pay the visa fee Receive your visa Short link : Post Views: 17
Rhyl Journal
11-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
North Wales Chronicle
11-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
South Wales Guardian
11-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
