A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement a one-stop air travel system between Bahrain and the UAE was signed yesterday between the Interior Ministry’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The ‘One Stop’ project for pre-entry of travellers will enable the completion of all travel procedures at a single point, without the need for repeated inspection procedures.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by Bahrain’s Interior Ministry ports, search and follow-up assistant under-secretary Brigadier Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Doseri and UAE Air Ports Affairs Sector executive director Dr Hamad Saif Al Mashghouni, in the presence of officials from both sides.
The MoU aims to establish an institutional framework for co-operation in implementing the project and exchanging travellers’ pre-entry data in compliance with information security and data protection protocols.
This supports the integration of electronic systems and enhances the efficiency of operational procedures and the quality of services.
The two sides affirmed that this step contributes to supporting joint Gulf action, developing the ports system, enhancing security and facilitating traffic.
The deal comes in implementation of what was approved by the GCC Interior Ministers during their 42nd meeting regarding the launch of the ‘One Stop’ initiative in Kuwait last year.
The GDN had previously reported that the initiative is part of a major GCC travel plan designed to introduce seamless connections between member states.
Bahrain and the UAE have been selected to trial the first phase of the project, which aims to improve connectivity and cut down on airport waiting times.
The first phase will apply to Gulf Air and Etihad Airways flights for citizens travelling between Bahrain International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Bahrain and the UAE launched the first phase on February 16 this year.
The project enables travellers to complete entry procedures for the destination country before departure, contributing to reducing procedure time upon arrival and enhancing the smooth flow of passenger movement.
