EU Set to Grant Visa-Free Access to Saudi Nationals

Charlie Immigration updates Schengen Visa News 24 April 2025 | Updated On April 28, 2025 | 0

Saudi citizens may soon travel to Europe without a visa, joining countries like the US, Canada, UAE, and Singapore in enjoying visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

The European Union is working toward exempting Saudi nationals from short-stay visa requirements, allowing eligible travellers to visit or transit through the Schengen countries without a visa.

This shift is expected to make business trips, holidays, and family visits across Europe significantly easier for Saudi citizens.

While the final agreement is still being finalised, progress is well underway. EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, recently confirmed that discussions are ongoing to lift visa requirements for Saudi nationals.

He highlighted that even before full visa exemption, major steps have already been taken to ease travel. In April 2024, the European Commission introduced new rules allowing citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman to obtain five-year, multiple-entry Schengen visas for short stays.

“These changes are not only about simplifying travel but also about strengthening the ties between Europe and Saudi Arabia through regular exchanges and deeper people-to-people connections.”

EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud

Current Travel Options for Saudi Citizens

Until visa-free access becomes official, Saudi nationals must still follow existing Schengen visa requirements. This means applying for a visa when planning tourism, business, or family visits to EU countries.

Currently, Saudi citizens can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for up to five years. This visa allows for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, ideal for frequent travellers who want to avoid repeat applications.

However, it’s important to note that a Schengen visa does not permit work or long-term stays. Those planning to study, work, or relocate to an EU country will still need to follow separate visa or residence permit procedures.

If approved, the visa waiver for Saudi nationals would mark a major milestone in EU-Gulf relations, further strengthening tourism, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two regions.

Which countries are you excited to check out with your Schengen visa? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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