Saudi nationals can soon enjoy visa-free travel to Europe
Saudi Arabia is on track to join countries like Canada, the US, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the UK, UAE, and Singapore in enjoying visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, a move set to enhance tourism and streamline travel between the Gulf and Europe.
This policy change is set to transform EU-wide travel for Saudi nationals and will allow eligible travellers to enter and transit through the 27 Schengen countries without the need for a visa, making business, leisure and family visits across Europe much more convenient.
Although the final agreement has yet to be officially finalised, Saudi nationals can already apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas that allow them to visit Europe for short stays.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confirmed that work is underway to exempt Saudi citizens from short-stay visa requirements entirely. In the meantime, recent changes already mark a major development in easing travel between the Kingdom and the EU’s 27-member Schengen area. “About a year ago, specifically in April 2024, the European Commission adopted new rules enabling Saudi citizens – and those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman — to obtain multi-entry visas valid for short stays of up to five years,” Farnaud said.
He added that these changes go beyond convenience, and mark a meaningful step toward strengthening people-to-people ties and encouraging regular exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Which countries have visa-free access to the Schengen zone?
Once the visa exemption is approved and implemented, Saudi Arabia will join the growing list of countries that already enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. These nations include:
- 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
Until the new policy is implemented, Saudi Arabian nationals travelling to Europe must continue to adhere to current visa requirements when planning business trips, leisure visits or work assignments in the EU.
With a short-stay Schengen visa, Saudi citizens can stay in the Schengen zone for short periods of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Obtaining a 5-year, multiple-entry Schengen visa will grant travellers the freedom to explore Europe multiple times within the visa’s validity period, without the hassle of reapplying.
However, it should be noted that a Schengen visa is not work or residence permit, and all third-country nationals should check if they need a visa if they wish to work or study in an EU country.
Global immigration support in Saudi Arabia
If your business has a presence in Saudi Arabia and you require support with relocating your assignees to Europe for work or business visits, Smith Stone Walters can help.
SSW is now part of Envoy Global, the leading corporate immigration services provider committed to delivering a better way for companies to manage global immigration. As part of an ongoing expansion in the Middle East region, Envoy Global has recently established a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Recognised for its geopolitical importance, diversification strategies and economic stability, Saudi Arabia increasingly serves as a gateway to markets in the Middle East and presents significant opportunities for international business innovation and growth. Envoy Global’s entry into Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to helping clients strengthen their investments by supporting their talent mobility and immigration needs in this critical market.
To learn more about our enhanced level of corporate immigration services in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, please contact us today.
