GCC Unified Visa Hits Roadblock After Omani Minister’s Statements

Oman's heritage and tourism minister, Salem Al Mahrouqi, has raised red flags about the unified visa for Gulf countries. "The unified GCC visa is still in the research phase," he told the Shura Council, indicating the program is far from ready to become a permanent program.

The plan to create a single visa for travelers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, although initially successful, has run into problems. Countries can't agree on key issues like security checks and sharing traveler information.

Currently, the visa is in a testing phase and has been rolled out to travelers. However, each country is worried about potential risks and wants to protect its own borders. Differing perspectives on security, immigration, and data sharing have led to delays and friction. Despite these challenges, Oman's tourism is doing well, with the sector showing strong growth in recent years.