Saudi nationals are set to be exempted from needing pre-entry visas to travel to European Union (EU) countries, granting them greater freedom of movement across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 EU member states, an EU official has announced.
According to Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, efforts are actively underway to completely waive short-stay visa requirements for Saudi citizens. While this exemption is still in progress, recent developments have already made travel significantly easier. “In April 2024, the European Commission introduced new regulations allowing citizens of Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, to obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years for short stays,” said Farnaud.
He emphasized that this shift is not merely a matter of convenience but a strategic step to deepen people-to-people connections and promote regular engagement between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Ambassador Farnaud also praised Saudi Arabia’s expanding focus on global tourism, noting that Europe is keen to contribute to this transformation. Enhanced travel cooperation and simplified visa processes are expected to foster stronger cultural understanding and international collaboration.
With the updated visa policy, Saudi citizens will be able to travel to EU countries multiple times over five years using a single visa—marking a significant milestone in improving accessibility, cultural exchange, and strategic ties.
The European Commission’s decision in April 2024 to issue five-year, multiple-entry visas to nationals of GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, represents a major step toward unified and simplified visa procedures for the region.