GCC-ONE STOP TRAVEL SYSTEM
1. What is the News?
- The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states, with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain selected to pilot the initiative starting in December 2025.
- If the pilot proves successful, the system will be expanded to all 6 GCC member states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
- This system will make travel between GCC countries faster and easier.
- Travelers will clear immigration and security only once, instead of going through checks at every border.
WHAT IS ONE STOP TRAVEL SYSTEM?
It is a system that allows travelers to:
- Complete immigration and security checks at one point.
- Travel to other GCC countries without repeated checking.
- Move across borders more smoothly, similar to domestic travel between states.
It is designed to create a more connected and cooperative region.
WHY IS IT INTRODUCED?
- To reduce time spent at borders.
- To make cross-border movement simple and efficient.
- To help business, tourism, and trade grow among GCC countries.
- To improve cooperation between immigration and customs departments.
ABOUT GCC (GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL)
The GCC aims to increase political, economic, and social cooperation among its member countries.
MEMBER COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF GCC
- Holds nearly 30% of the world’s proven oil reserves.
- Controls around 20% of the world’s natural gas reserves.
- Located in a major trade and shipping region.
- Working towards customs union, common market, and a future monetary union.
BENEFITS OF ONE STOP TRAVEL SYSTEM
CONNECTION WITH OTHER GCC PROJECTS
- GCC Railway Network
- Unified customs system
- Plans for single GCC visa
These are all part of the GCC’s vision to make the region more connected and unified.
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