Saudi Arabia is poised to enhance its global travel profile, potentially joining the ranks of countries such as Canada, the United States, Mexico, and several others in enjoying visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. This significant development is anticipated to not only facilitate tourism but also streamline travel between the Gulf region and Europe, making cross-border mobility more accessible for Saudi nationals.
This policy change promises to transform European travel for Saudi nationals, allowing them to enter and transit through the 27 Schengen countries without the cumbersome requirement of a visa. As a result, travel for business, leisure, and family visits will become significantly more convenient and straightforward.
While the final agreement is still pending official ratification, Saudi nationals already have the option to apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, which allow for short stays in Europe. This interim measure has already opened up opportunities for several rounds of travel, furthering the ease of access to some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed that efforts are actively being made to fully exempt Saudi citizens from the need for short-stay visas. As part of these efforts, he noted a significant change made by the European Commission back in April 2024, allowing Saudi citizens—and those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—to acquire multi-entry visas valid for short stays of up to five years. Farnaud emphasizes that these adjustments extend beyond mere practicality; they underline a movement toward fostering stronger ties and encouraging regular exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Which Countries Have Visa-Free Access to the Schengen Zone?
Should the proposed visa exemption for Saudi Arabia come into effect, the Kingdom will join an exclusive group of nations that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. This list includes a variety of countries such as:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Existing European Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens
In the interim, while the policy developments are in the works, Saudi nationals planning to travel to Europe must still comply with established visa requirements. Presently, Saudi citizens require a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Europe, permitting stays of up to 90 days within any given 180-day period. The newly introduced option for a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa grants greater flexibility, allowing Saudis to explore multiple European cities throughout its validity.
It’s important to note that a Schengen visa does not grant the holder the right to work or reside within an EU country, and prospective travelers should double-check specific visa requirements if they plan to study or take up employment in Europe.
Global Immigration Support in Saudi Arabia
For businesses with operations in Saudi Arabia seeking to facilitate employee travel to Europe for work or business purposes, professional immigration support can be invaluable. Smith Stone Walters, part of Envoy Global—a leading corporate immigration services provider—offers comprehensive assistance tailored to the needs of businesses in this region.
Recognizing Saudi Arabia’s strategic geopolitical and economic role, Envoy Global has recently established a new office in Riyadh to better serve clients navigating the complexities of global talent mobility and immigration needs. The Kingdom stands as a vital gateway to Middle Eastern markets, presenting numerous opportunities for business innovation and expansion.
For more information about corporate immigration services and support options available in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
