5-Year Schengen Visa for Gulf Citizens Takes Effect with 4 Conditions

The European Union (EU) has announced new regulations granting citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain access to 5-year multiple-entry visas for the Schengen Area. The updated visa code, which took effect immediately, simplifies travel to Europe for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens by allowing them to visit EU countries numerous times over a five-year period using the same visa.

Under the new rules, eligible applicants, including first-time travelers, can obtain multiple-entry visas with a five-year validity, provided their passport validity exceeds five years. This revised visa scheme, known as the 'cascade,' standardizes visa regulations for all GCC countries whose citizens require visas to access the Schengen Area "The European Commission has approved new regulations for the issuance of Schengen visas to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman who live in their home countries. Under the new system, Saudi, Bahraini and Omanis will now have access to multiple-entry visas, allowing them to travel to 25 out of the 27 EU countries using the same visa within five years," according to the Middle East newspaper.

The European Commission also adopted specific rules on issuing multiple-entry visas to Indian citizens residing in India who apply for Schengen visas. Indian travelers are now eligible to obtain a two-year Schengen visa, with the possibility of a five-year visa after successfully utilizing the two-year visa.

Why this matters: The relaxation of visa rules for GCC citizens is anticipated to increase tourism and business travel between the EU and the Gulf region. The simplified travel process promotes more frequent trips and longer stays in Europe, fostering stronger bilateral relations and stimulating economic growth.

The changes to

Key Takeaways

• EU grants 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visas to citizens of Saudi, Oman, Bahrain.
• New visa rules simplify travel to EU for GCC citizens, allowing multiple visits.
• Indian citizens can now obtain 2-year Schengen visas, with possibility of 5-year visa.
• Relaxed visa rules expected to boost tourism and business travel between EU and Gulf.
• New visa scheme aims to promote stronger bilateral relations and economic growth.