EU Grants 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visas to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman Citizens

The European Union has declared that citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will now be granted multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for five years. This decision, announced by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell during the first high-level Forum on Regional Security and Co-operation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Luxembourg, allows citizens of these countries to visit the EU bloc several times during the five-year period.

The new visa regulations have been standardized for all GCC countries whose citizens require permits to visit the Schengen Area, indicating a significant step in strengthening relations between the EU and Gulf countries. Currently, citizens from the UAE do not require visas for three-month Schengen visits, while Qatari travelers must apply for visas. The GCC has discussed with the EU the possibility of a Schengen visa waiver for unrestricted travel to Europe.

First-time applicants from GCC nations will now be eligible for Schengen visas valid for an extended period of five years. This development comes as the European Union moves towards a unified Schengen visa system, which aims to streamline visa procedures and enhance travel facilitation for GCC citizens within the Schengen area.

Why this matters: The decision to grant five-year Schengen visas indicates a notable shift in visa policy, signifying a strengthened bond between the GCC and Europe. This move is expected to foster greater socio-cultural exchanges and bolster economic ties and tourism between the regions.

The European Commission has decided to streamline the process of granting multiple-entry visas for GCC citizens, aiming to create uniformity in visa regulations across the region. This standardization of visa regulations signifies a significant stride towards enhancing relations between the EU and Gulf countries, as it facilitates easier travel for citizens and fosters closer economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.

In addition to the EU visa changes, GCC nationals from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are also exempt from UK pre-entry visa requirements. The Schengen zone, which includes 29 countries, expanded last February to include Bulgaria and Romania. Gulf countries have also announced plans for a unified tourist visa akin to the Schengen permit, which aims to promote tourism and boost economic cooperation within the region.

Key Takeaways

• EU grants 5-year Schengen visas to citizens of Saudi, Oman, and Bahrain.
• First-time GCC applicants now eligible for 5-year Schengen visas.
• EU moves towards unified Schengen visa system to enhance travel for GCC.
• GCC nationals exempt from UK pre-entry visa requirements.
• GCC plans unified tourist visa akin to Schengen permit to boost regional tourism.