Citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia could soon enjoy visa-free travel to Europe.
Talks are underway between these Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union, which could remove Schengen Area visa requirements. Currently, the United Arab Emirates is the only visa-exempt GCC country.
If the negotiations are successful, travellers would no longer need to apply for a visa to travel to France or other Schengen nations. However, they would need to register for ETIAS when it becomes a requirement.
Find out at what stage the negotiations are between the EU and each candidate country below.
Do Kuwaitis and Qataris need a visa for France?
Currently, nationals of Kuwait and Qatar need a visa to visit France and the rest of Europe. A visa is required even for short stays such as vacations and family visits.
This will change if the EU Parliament and Council approve the Commission’s proposal to remove European visa requirements for Kuwait and Qatar.
Under the proposal, biometric passport holders from Kuwait and Qatar would not need to get a visa before travelling to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa-free travel to France is permitted for tourism, business, and family purposes.
Why is the EU considering lifting visa requirements for Kuwait and Qatar?
The EU Commission recommends lifting visa requirements for Kuwait and Qatar based on the following criteria:
- Irregular migration
- Public policy and security
- Economic benefits
- EU relations with the countries
The Commission concluded that the countries present a low irregular immigration risk.
The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2026 will reduce a moderate security risk. ETIAS will pre-screen non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries before they arrive in Europe.
Finally, the economic importance of EU relations with Kuwait and Qatar has been considered. Trade, tourism and energy cooperation are areas of economic interest for the EU.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a press release: ‘…this proposal will reinforce the overall partnership and strengthen the cooperation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council’.
EU Parliament and Council to reach decision on visa requirements
The EU Parliament and Council will now examine the proposal. If it is passed, the EU will negotiate visa waiver agreements with Kuwait and Qatar.
Visa-free travel from Kuwait and Qatar to France would begin once the visa waiver agreement is in place.
A visa for France would not be required to stay for up to 90 days per 180-day period for permitted visa-free activities.
France visa requirements for Qataris and Kuwaitis would still apply to stays over 90 days or for purposes such as work or long-term study.
Do Omanis still need a visa for Europe?
Right now, Omanis need a visa for France. However, a meeting between representatives of the European Commission and the Omani government was held recently to discuss ending visa requirements.
Among those in attendance were the Oman Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy and General Authority for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, Dimitri Giotakos.
Representatives of the EU Commission highlighted the importance of removing Schengen visa requirements for visitors from Oman.
Benefits of a potential visa-waiver agreement between the EU and Oman
A visa-waiver agreement could be mutually beneficial for the Union and Oman.
Schengen Area countries such as France are popular among tourists and business travellers from Oman.
In addition, Oman is hoping to attract more European tourists, promotional workshops were held in France and Italy to showcase tourism and Oman and promote recovery.
To be considered for visa-free travel, Oman would have to meet the criteria listed above regarding irregular migration, security, and economic benefit, etc.
Omanis would not need a visa for France but they would need to register with ETIAS once fully implemented.
France visa requirements for Saudi Arabia nationals
The European Commission delegation and Waleed bin Abdul Karim Al Khuraji, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs met in June 2022. Several topics were discussed, including the easing of entry requirements for Saudi Arabian nationals visiting Europe.
The possibility of visa-free travel from Saudi Arabia to Europe was discussed including technical implications.
The European Union and the Saudi Arabian government expect that a visa waiver agreement will be reached, although no date has been set.
Saudi Arabians will need a visa for Europe until an agreement is reached.
ETIAS application for visa-free travel from GCC countries
As mentioned above, if European visa requirements of these GCC countries are lifted, travellers will become eligible for ETIAS.
ETIAS is a new travel authorisation for France and other European countries. It will be operational from 2026. Travellers who do not need a visa for France will need to register before departure.
The ETIAS application process is 100% online. Applicants from GCC countries would need to fill out an online form with basic personal details and passport information. There will also be some security questions.
On approval, the travel authorisation is electronically linked to the passport. ETIAS will be valid for multiple trips to the Schengen Area of up to 90 days per 180-day period. It is valid for up to 3 years.
It will be much quicker and easier to apply for ETIAS for France than a visa. Lifting visa requirements will facilitate travel from GCC countries to France and the rest of Europe.
