EU Seeks Closer Ties with Saudi Arabia Through Schengen Visa Waiver
EU Moves Toward Lifting Schengen Visa Requirement for Saudi Nationals, Ambassador Confirms
The European Union is actively working to lift the Schengen visa requirement for Saudi nationals, according to Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. While the process is still underway, the Ambassador emphasized that Saudi citizens will continue to benefit from streamlined visa application procedures, as reported by Gulf News.
Facilitated Visa Procedures Already in Effect
Ambassador Farnaud highlighted that, although full visa exemption remains a priority, current facilitations are already making a positive impact by strengthening people-to-people connections and encouraging greater cultural and economic exchange between the EU and Saudi Arabia.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas Introduced in 2024
Since April 2024, the EU has offered eased Schengen visa application procedures for passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Under these updated rules, Saudi citizens can now obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years.
These long-term visas allow frequent travel across the Schengen Area, although travellers must still comply with the 90/180-day rule, which permits a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.
Visa-Free Access: UAE Leads the Way
Currently, the United Arab Emirates remains the only Gulf country whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Zone. However, the EU has confirmed that it is engaging with other Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, to explore similar exemptions in the near future.
Saudi Arabia Among Top Schengen Visa Applicants
In 2023, Saudi nationals were among the top applicants for Schengen visas worldwide. According to data from AtoZ Serwis Plus, 428,954 visa applications were submitted by Saudis last year, making the country seventh on the list of top applicant nations.
Out of the total submitted applications:
- 398,250 visas were approved
- 25,672 applications were rejected
- The rejection rate stood at a relatively low 6%
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