Saudi Arabia is a country that is well-known for its rich history and culture, as well as its stunning natural landscapes and modern cities. In recent years, the country has been making significant strides towards opening up its tourism industry to visitors from around the world. As part of this effort, Saudi Arabia has recently announced that it will be welcoming residents of other GCC countries to visit without the need for a visa. In this blog, we will explore what this new policy means for both Saudi Arabia and its GCC neighbors.
What is the new policy?
As of 2023, residents of other GCC countries will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia without the need for a visa. This means that citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will be able to visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days at a time without having to go through the visa application process. The new policy is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost tourism and promote greater cooperation between GCC countries.
What are the benefits of the new policy?
The new policy is expected to have several benefits for both Saudi Arabia and its GCC neighbors. For Saudi Arabia, it will help to boost tourism and create new opportunities for economic growth. By making it easier for residents of GCC countries to visit Saudi Arabia, the country is opening up new markets for its tourism industry and helping to promote greater cultural exchange between the region’s different countries. Additionally, by welcoming GCC residents, Saudi Arabia is strengthening ties with its neighbors and promoting greater regional cooperation.
For residents of other GCC countries, the new policy is also beneficial. It will allow them to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture, as well as its stunning natural landscapes and modern cities. Many GCC residents already travel to Saudi Arabia for business or religious purposes, and the new policy will make it easier for them to visit for leisure as well. It will also create new opportunities for trade and investment between the different GCC countries.
What are the requirements for visiting Saudi Arabia under the new policy?
While residents of other GCC countries will not need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, there are still some requirements that they will need to meet. Visitors will need to have a valid passport, and they may be required to show proof of residence in their home country. Additionally, visitors may need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering Saudi Arabia, and they may be required to quarantine upon arrival.
In conclusion, the new policy that allows residents of other GCC countries to visit Saudi Arabia without a visa is an important step towards greater regional cooperation and economic growth. By opening up its tourism industry to visitors from around the region, Saudi Arabia is promoting greater cultural exchange and creating new opportunities for trade and investment. This is a positive development for the region as a whole and will help to strengthen ties between the different GCC countries.
