ALBAWABA - EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell announced that the Commission has harmonized regulations for multi-entry visas given to nationals of the three Arabian Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, during a conference between the EU and GCC in Luxembourg.
The new ruling permits nationals from the mentioned gulf countries to enter the EU many times with the same visa throughout a span of five years. Holders of a valid visa, according to Zawya, have the same travel privileges as citizens of visa-free countries during the duration of the visa.
The French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ludovic Pouille, issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying that "Saudi citizens will now be able to obtain Schengen visas for a period of five years upon their first request." He further emphasized that Paris fully backed the European decision, adding "We anticipate seeing more Saudis in France—whether on business or vacation.”
“We have a strong file to obtain the exemption, and God willing, we will celebrate this year by obtaining the exemption for the first time,” said Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General, in an interview last month, as reported by Arabian Business.
The European Schengen area of free movement, which allows more than 400 million individuals to move across member countries without being subject to internal border procedures, has recently welcomed Bulgaria and Romania, expanding its list to 29 countries.
