GCC Nations Nearing Schengen Visa-Waiver Process Start in Riyadh
Five Gulf states – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – are reportedly close to beginning the process for Schengen visa waivers, with an announcement anticipated at the upcoming GCC-EU summit in Riyadh.
Five Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are on the verge of initiating the formal procedures to secure visa-free access to Europe's Schengen area. This significant development was announced by Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, the secretary-general of the GCC.
Anticipated Announcement at GCC-EU Summit
Al Budaiwi indicated that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are "very close" to commencing the process that could ultimately remove Schengen visa requirements for their citizens. Expectations are high for a positive announcement during the second GCC-EU summit, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on October 24.
This move signifies the start of a multi-stage process towards full visa exemption, rather than an immediate implementation of visa-free travel. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) currently stands as the sole GCC member whose citizens enjoy visa-free short-stay access to the Schengen area, following an agreement signed in May 2015, permitting stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Current Visa Facilitations and Future Outlook
While awaiting full exemption, the European Union has already introduced several facilitations for the other Gulf states:
- Saudi, Bahraini, and Omani citizens became eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas as of April 2024.
- Kuwaiti and Qatari citizens have benefited from similar favourable multiple-entry visa arrangements since 2023.
These multiple-entry visas still require applicants to complete the application process and meet standard Schengen requirements. A full exemption, however, would eliminate these application requirements for short visits, streamlining travel significantly.
Previously, in 2022, the European Commission proposed moving Kuwait and Qatar to the list of countries exempt from short-stay visas. This proposal is still undergoing the EU legislative process, with the European Parliament considering an extension of visa-free treatment to Oman as well.
Questions, answered
- Which GCC countries are involved in the potential Schengen visa-waiver process?
- The five GCC countries mentioned are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The UAE already has visa-free access to the Schengen area.
- When is an announcement expected regarding the Schengen visa waiver process?
- An announcement is anticipated at the second GCC-EU summit, scheduled to be held in Riyadh on October 24.
- What is the difference between the current multiple-entry visas and a full visa exemption?
- Currently, citizens from these countries can apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, but still need to complete an application. A full visa exemption would remove the requirement to apply for a short-stay visa altogether.
- Which GCC country currently has visa-free access to the Schengen area?
- The UAE is currently the only GCC member whose citizens can travel to the Schengen area without a short-stay visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.