Saudi Citizens Have Been Granted 5-Year Visas In An Update To The EU-Schengen Rule

[Suyuti]

The EU has relaxed visa rules for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, following three implementing decisions by the European Commission, announced at the EU-GCC High-Level Forum in Luxembourg.

The meeting emphasized security and strategic cooperation between Gulf states and EU, Gaza Strip developments, and immediate ceasefire. New visa rules allow Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabian nationals multiple-entry visas.

The updated visa code aligns with the "cascade" concept, ensuring long validity for all eligible applicants, including first-time travelers, and standardizing visa regulations for GCC countries requiring Schengen Area access.

The EU has implemented a five-year visa rule in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a move that strengthens people-to-people relations and aligns with the EU's Strategic Partnership with the Gulf. Experts view this as a preliminary step towards a Schengen waiver, similar to the Schengen Area.