Schengen Countries Extend 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visas to Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain

In a move aimed at facilitating travel for nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, the European Commission has announced the extension of multiple-entry Schengen visas with a validity period of five years. Josep Borrell, the EU Foreign Affairs Chief, disclosed the decision during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, stating that visa-issuing rules have been harmonized for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

"I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow the harmonization of the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries," said Borrell.

The decision to grant five-year multiple-entry visas to passport holders of these countries reflects the EU's commitment to harmonizing visa rules across the GCC.

While an official statement from the EU Commission is pending, it is expected that nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain who meet the requirements will be eligible for this extended visa validity, including first-time applicants.

Under the new regulations, Saudis, Omanis, and Bahrainis holding a five-year multiple-entry visa will be permitted to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within a year. However, they must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, which limits their stay to three months within a six-month period.

The data from Schengen Visa Statistics indicates that in 2022, Schengen member states collectively issued 378,869 visas to nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabians received the highest number of visas, totaling 332,583, followed by Omanis with 28,200 visas and Bahrainis with 18,086 visas.

While UAE nationals currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, discussions are ongoing between the EU and other GCC countries to further ease visa requirements and promote unrestricted travel.

The extension of five-year multiple-entry visas to nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain underscores efforts to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate travel for citizens of these countries within the Schengen Area.

By fLEXI tEAM