Unified Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia and Oman Announced

Saudi Arabia and Oman Join Forces to Boost Tourism and Introduce a Unified Tourist Visa

In a bid to enhance tourism in both countries and promote cross-border travel, the tourism ministers of Saudi Arabia and Oman have launched joint initiatives. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmad Al Khatib recently visited Muscat to hold discussions with his Omani counterpart, Salem Al Mahrooqi, on bolstering the tourism sectors of both nations.

The collaborative projects between Saudi Arabia and Oman aim to attract foreign tourists, citizens of both countries and residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Key among the initiatives is the introduction of a unified tourist visa, which will streamline the visa application process and facilitate seamless travel between the two nations. Additionally, seasonal flights and a joint tourism calendar are part of the plan to further entice visitors to explore the diverse attractions of Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Highlighting the natural and cultural diversity of the two nations, Al Mahrooqi emphasized that Saudi Arabia and Oman are major tourist destinations in the region. The Omani news agency ONA reported his statement, underscoring the significance of the collaborative efforts between the two countries in boosting tourism.

The statistics from the first quarter of this year demonstrate the increasing popularity of travel between Saudi Arabia and Oman. The number of tourists from Oman visiting Saudi Arabia during this period reached approximately 164,000, marking a remarkable 136 percent increase compared to the same period last year. These visitors spent approximately SR310 million, representing a substantial 71 percent increase in spending.

Similarly, the influx of tourists from Saudi Arabia to Oman has also witnessed a significant surge. During the first quarter of 2023, almost 49,000 tourists from Saudi Arabia visited Oman, marking a notable 92 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Moreover, there was a remarkable 117 percent rise in spending by tourists from Saudi during their visits to Oman.

Both Saudi Arabia and Oman are key members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The joint initiatives and unified tourist visa program between Saudi Arabia and Oman will contribute to the overall growth and collaboration within the GCC tourism sector.

The concerted efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman to promote tourism and facilitate cross-border travel through joint initiatives and a unified tourist visa program are expected to yield positive outcomes. By leveraging their natural and cultural diversity, these nations are poised to attract more tourists, strengthen bilateral ties, and foster economic growth in the tourism sector.