The European Union Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, has confirmed that the EU is taking significant steps to completely remove Schengen visa requirements for Saudi nationals. According to local media reports, Ambassador Farnaud stated that Saudi passport holders will soon be able to enter the Schengen Area without needing to undergo the visa application process. However, the Ambassador did not disclose specific details about the current stage of the process nor provide a timeline for when the visa exemption could be implemented.

In the meantime, Ambassador Farnaud emphasized that Saudi nationals would continue to benefit from facilitated Schengen visa application procedures. This initiative is part of the broader effort to enhance people-to-people connections and promote cultural and business exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the European Union. The Ambassador acknowledged that although the full visa exemption would be a significant milestone, the existing facilitation measures are already having a positive impact in strengthening bilateral ties.

Recent Visa Policy Changes: Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visas for Saudis

In April 2024, the European Union Commission introduced a new policy aimed at easing the Schengen visa application process for Saudi nationals, as well as for citizens of Oman and Bahrain. Under this updated framework, Saudi nationals can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with a validity period of up to five years. These visas allow holders to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within a given year. However, they are still subject to the 90/180-day rule, which limits the total stay to three months within any six-month period.

This move reflects the EU’s commitment to enhancing travel flexibility and fostering closer ties with the Gulf region. Saudi nationals who hold a five-year multiple-entry visa issued by any Schengen member state can now enjoy greater convenience when traveling within the EU. The decision to implement this policy highlights the EU’s recognition of the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner in the region.

UAE Already Enjoys Visa-Free Access, EU Continues Efforts with Other Gulf Nations

Currently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the only Gulf country whose nationals benefit from visa-free entry to the Schengen Area. In addition to efforts with Saudi Arabia, EU authorities have indicated that they are working closely with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain and Oman, to explore the possibility of removing visa requirements entirely for their nationals as well.

Saudi Arabia Among Top Schengen Visa Applicants in 2023

Saudi Arabia was among the top countries for Schengen visa applications in 2023. According to statistics released by SchengenVisaInfo, Saudi nationals ranked seventh in the list of countries with the most visa applications for the year. A total of 428,954 Schengen visa applications were submitted by Saudi citizens in 2023. Of these, 398,250 were approved, while 25,672 applications were rejected, representing a rejection rate of approximately six percent.

The high volume of Schengen visa applications from Saudi nationals underscores the strong demand for travel to the EU and further highlights the importance of facilitating travel between the two regions. The EU’s ongoing efforts to ease visa requirements reflect a commitment to fostering greater economic, cultural, and social exchanges between Saudi Arabia and European nations.

In conclusion, the EU's initiative to lift Schengen visa requirements for Saudi nationals, coupled with the recent implementation of facilitated visa application procedures, represents a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations. As the process continues to unfold, both sides remain focused on expanding opportunities for cooperation, strengthening diplomatic ties, and enhancing travel opportunities for citizens of both regions.