Saudi citizens are on the verge of gaining visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen zone, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the Kingdom and the European Union. Here’s a breakdown of what this means, what’s already changed, and what lies ahead.
Visa-Free Travel for Saudis in the Works
Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has confirmed that discussions are well underway to exempt Saudi nationals from needing a short-stay visa to enter any of the EU’s 27 member states. Once implemented, this would allow Saudi travelers to move freely across the Schengen area without needing a pre-entry visa.
Major Visa Policy Change Already in Effect
While full exemption is still being finalized, a major shift has already taken place. “About a year ago, specifically in April 2024, the European Commission adopted new rules enabling Saudi citizens — and those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman — to obtain multi-entry visas valid for short stays of up to five years,” said Ambassador Farnaud.
This change means that Saudi citizens can now travel to the EU multiple times over a five-year period using the same visa, significantly reducing bureaucratic barriers and enhancing travel flexibility.
More Than Convenience: Strengthening Ties
Farnaud emphasized that the new visa policy is not just about ease of travel. “These changes go beyond convenience; they are a meaningful step toward strengthening people-to-people ties and encouraging regular exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Europe,” he said.
By simplifying travel procedures, the EU aims to foster deeper cultural understanding, economic collaboration, and strategic cooperation between the two regions.
Europe’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision
Ambassador Farnaud also praised Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector and emphasized Europe’s important role in supporting this transformation. “Enhanced tourism exchange and streamlined travel procedures” were noted as key drivers of mutual understanding and a shared global outlook.
A New Era in Saudi-EU Relations
The visa reforms are part of broader efforts by the EU to harmonize travel rules for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In April 2024, the European Commission formally adopted the decision to grant five-year, multiple-entry short-stay visas to nationals of Saudi Arabia and its GCC neighbors.
With full visa exemption potentially on the horizon, Saudi-EU relations are entering a new chapter — one defined by greater mobility, cultural dialogue, and strengthened partnerships.
