Ashraf AboArafe
Saudi Arabia is on track to join countries like Canada, the US, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the UK, UAE, and Singapore in enjoying visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, a move set to enhance tourism and streamline travel between the Gulf and Europe. As new EU policies pave the way for easier access, Saudi citizens will soon be able to explore the Twenty Seven Schengen countries without the need for a visa, making business, leisure, and family visits across Europe much more convenient. This landmark shift promises to boost European tourism by attracting more Saudi visitors, fostering deeper cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps toward securing visa-free access to the Schengen Area, with new EU travel policies in progress that will soon facilitate easier travel for Gulf countries. Although the final agreement has yet to be officially finalized, Saudi nationals can already apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas that allow them to visit Europe for short stays. Once fully implemented, this policy shift will revolutionize travel, granting Saudi citizens seamless access to the 27 Schengen countries across Europe for business, leisure, and family visits, ultimately strengthening cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and the EU.
Visa-Free Travel on the Horizon
Saudi Arabia’s path to visa-free access to the Schengen Zone is becoming a reality, thanks to progressive EU policies aimed at easing travel for Gulf countries. While the final agreement is still being negotiated, Saudi citizens can already apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years. These long-term visas enable them to visit Europe multiple times within a five-year period for short stays without the need for repeated applications.
Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visas
Even before the full visa exemption is in place, there have been major strides in making travel easier for Saudi nationals. As of April 2024, a new rule allows citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman to secure a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. This innovative visa lets Saudi travelers explore Europe multiple times without the hassle of reapplying, marking a significant shift in travel ease.
Countries with Visa-Free Access to Schengen Zone
The new visa policies will position Saudi Arabia alongside a growing list of countries that already enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. These nations include:
Albania
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Macau
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela
A New Chapter for Saudi Travelers
As emphasized by EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Farnaud, this visa shift signifies more than just administrative reform. It marks the beginning of a deeper cultural, social, and economic connection between Saudi Arabia and Europe. With Saudi Arabia welcoming international visitors, the EU is positioning itself as a strategic partner for tourism, trade, and mutual understanding. This development is poised to open new doors for business, tourism, and cooperation between the two regions.
Existing Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens Heading to the EU
Until the visa-free status is fully implemented, Saudi nationals still need to adhere to current visa requirements when planning to visit Schengen countries. Here’s an overview of the necessary documentation:
Requirement Details
Visa Type Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
Validity Up to 5 years (multiple-entry)
Duration of Stay Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Application Points Maximum 90 days within 180 days
Required Documents Passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, itinerary, bank statements, and purpose of travel
Visa Fee Approximately €80 (subject to slight variations by country)
A Significant Shift for Saudi Travelers
This policy change is set to have a transformative impact on Saudi travelers. With the new five-year multiple-entry visas already in effect, the forthcoming full visa exemption will make Europe more accessible than ever. Saudi entrepreneurs, tourists, and frequent travelers will benefit from simplified travel processes, allowing for more spontaneous and flexible trips to Schengen countries.
Saudi Arabia is set to join countries like Canada, the US, and the UK in gaining visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, simplifying travel for its citizens. This move will boost European tourism by making travel to Twenty Seven Schengen countries more accessible for Saudi nationals.
The move toward visa-free access for Saudi nationals to the Schengen Zone is a groundbreaking development that will greatly enhance travel opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Europe. As new EU policies make it easier for Gulf nations to travel, Saudi citizens can look forward to smoother, more efficient travel for business, leisure, and family visits. While the full visa exemption is still in progress, the introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visa marks a significant milestone in strengthening Saudi-European ties. This new era of travel not only simplifies the process for Saudi nationals but also fosters greater cultural, economic, and social exchange between Saudi Arabia and the 27 Schengen countries. With the promise of visa-free access on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is poised to unlock even more doors to Europe, further bridging the gap between the two regions.
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