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[INTERNATIONAL] · Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait · 4 sources

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Part of situation: GCC-EU diplomatic relations and summit preparations (3 clusters)

GCC nears Schengen visa waiver process for five member states

Schengen visa waiver GCC-EU summit visa exemption Gulf Cooperation Council travel regulations

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to initiate a process to waive Schengen visa requirements for citizens of five member states. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, the GCC Secretary-General, stated that the move is “very close” to beginning.

The proposed exemption would apply to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Currently, the United Arab Emirates is the only GCC nation with a short-stay visa-free arrangement with the European Union.

An official announcement regarding this progress is expected during the upcoming EU-GCC summit scheduled for October 24, 2026, in Riyadh. While the process is moving forward, AlBudaiwi noted that implementation may vary by country, as applications will be reviewed on a state-by-state basis.

Entities

European Union · Gulf Cooperation Council · Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi · Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi · Riyadh · Schengen Area

Sources

Visa Schengen : cinq pays arabes bientôt exemptés de formalités [maghrebactu.com]
GCC secretary general says start of Schengen visa waiver process ‘very close’ [trendsmena.com]
Argentina Pairs Up With UAE In Transforming Tourism Through Major Hospitality Investments, Trade Talks And Global Partnerships [www.travelandtourworld.com]
Gulf States near Schengen visa-waiver process start, raising travel hopes [gulfnews.com]