EU Considers Schengen Visa Waiver for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar

On October 19, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted five conclusions that could pave the way for a possible exemption from Schengen visa requirements for nationals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. In doing so, the Council welcomes the European Commission’s intention to initiate formal procedures for visa liberalization with these five Gulf states. It is important to note that this is, as of now, a political declaration of intent and not a finalized measure—an actual visa waiver has not yet entered into force.

This development marks progress in the long-standing discussions between the European Union and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). There is a separate Council conclusion for each of the five countries, each of which serves as the starting point for bilateral negotiations on the conditions for potential visa-free travel. However, before a visa waiver can take effect, several criteria must be met, including issues related to security, irregular migration, and the readmission agreement for nationals residing illegally in the Schengen Area.

For travelers from the Gulf states in question, this means in concrete terms: As long as no formal decision on visa exemption has been made and published, the regular visa requirement for short stays in the Schengen Area remains fully in effect. Anyone planning a trip to European countries in the coming months should therefore continue to follow the usual application process for a Schengen visa and not base their travel plans on a visa waiver that has not yet been confirmed.

Should the process indeed lead to visa-free travel, this would generally mean that nationals of the affected countries could enter for short-term tourist or business stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa issued in advance. However, experience shows that such liberalization is often accompanied by the introduction of an electronic travel authorization system, comparable to the European ETIAS regulation, which is intended for visa-exempt third-country nationals. For other travel purposes, such as study, work, or longer stays, the traditional visa requirement would continue to apply.

Until an official and legally binding decision is made by the EU institutions, it is recommended that all applicants from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar plan their travel based on the currently applicable visa requirements. Those already planning a trip to the Schengen Area can learn about the various types of visas available and prepare their application well in advance to avoid delays. The Council has not yet specified the concrete implementation of the announced negotiations, including any potential timelines.

For anyone wishing to travel to the Schengen Area in the near future, regardless of the outcome of these negotiations, the standard visa application remains the safe and reliable option. We assist applicants in compiling the necessary documents and navigating the visa process correctly and without unnecessary delays. Interested individuals can conveniently submit their application via our online application form and thus prepare for their trip regardless of political developments.