Six Gulf countries will introduce “Arab Schengen” — tourists and residents will be able to travel around the region without applying for additional visas and permits.
The day before, as reported by Arabian Business, the agreement was approved by the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. And it will most likely start working next year.
Currently, the Emirates, Qatar, and Oman are visa-free for Ukrainian tourists; these states, by the way, are in high demand among vacationers, especially the UAE, which is among the top destinations for outbound tourism. To get to other Gulf countries, you need to fork out some money.
Moreover, if in Bahrain a visa is issued upon arrival and costs a modest $15 (if the stay in the country does not exceed a month), then the pleasure of visiting Kuwait, and especially Saudi Arabia, will cost a pretty penny. For a Kuwait tourist visa, you need to pay 100 dollars, it is issued at the Consular Section of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Kyiv. A Saudi visa will cost 535 rials (approximately $150) – you can stay in the country 180 days a year, but no more than 90 days per trip.
“Arab Schengen” will certainly be appreciated by residents of the Gulf countries, who will be able to travel around the region cheaper and more conveniently, as well as independent travelers who want to see a lot of different things in one trip.
As for organized tourists, the innovation, according to experts, is not of great importance. A single visa will make it possible to do combined tours with the participation of these countries.