The Schengen area, consisting of 29 European countries, has long been a symbol of borderless travel within Europe. Recently, the European Union made significant revisions to its visa policies, particularly concerning citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.
During a gathering between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Luxembourg, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, unveiled adjustments to the rules governing multi-entry visas for individuals from these three Arabian Gulf nations. These modifications usher in a new era of accessibility, granting citizens the privilege of multiple entries into the Schengen zone over a five-year span. Such changes underscore the EU's commitment to fostering stronger bonds with GCC member states.
Presently, citizens of the United Arab Emirates enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries for stays of up to three months, whereas Qatari nationals must undergo the visa application process. However, discussions between the GCC and the EU have been underway, exploring the possibility of implementing a Schengen visa waiver to facilitate unrestricted travel to Europe. This dialogue was furthered during a recent meeting in Brussels between GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi and EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region Luigi Di Maio.
Al Budaiwi has expressed confidence in the GCC's case for visa exemption, citing the positive impact Gulf citizens have on Europe through trade, education, tourism, and other avenues. He anticipates celebrating the achievement of visa exemption this year, emphasizing the robust rationale behind the GCC's appeal.
It's worth noting that citizens of GCC member states, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, are already exempt from pre-entry visa requirements for the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the Schengen zone expanded in February to encompass Bulgaria and Romania, further enhancing the scope and accessibility of borderless travel within Europe.
The EU's decision to streamline visa regulations for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain signifies a pivotal step towards fostering closer ties between the EU and GCC nations while also facilitating smoother travel experiences for individuals within the Schengen zone.
Schengen area countries
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
