Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait are moving towards a formal process that could eventually make short European holidays easier for their citizens. The development offers hope to travellers who want to explore Europe’s historic cities, enjoy family holidays and visit multiple destinations without navigating the usual visa application process. However, the proposed change is not yet an implemented visa exemption. Official European Union records show that visa-waiver processes and action plans for the five Gulf countries featured on the agenda of the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives on 5 October 2026, marking an important development in discussions about future travel arrangements.
EU Records Show Progress on Visa-Waiver Plans
The latest development follows remarks by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, who told Arab News that the start of the process to waive Schengen visa requirements for citizens of the five countries was “very close”.
According to the report published on 9 October 2026, Al-Budaiwi expressed optimism about a potential announcement at the second EU-GCC Summit, scheduled for 24 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The list visa-waiver process items for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. The entries refer to Council conclusions on launching the process for approval and visa-waiver action plans for endorsement.
These records provide an important official reference for the development. However, an agenda entry must not be mistaken for confirmation that all legislative requirements have been completed or that citizens can already travel without visas.
Six GCC Countries, Different Visa Statuses
The Gulf Cooperation Council has six members, but their existing access to Europe differs. Understanding the distinction is essential for travellers and travel agencies.
| GCC country | Current position regarding the proposed waiver |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Existing visa exemption for eligible citizens undertaking short visits |
| Saudi Arabia | Visa-waiver process and action plan listed in EU records |
| Qatar | Visa-waiver process and action plan listed in EU records |
| Oman | Visa-waiver process and action plan listed in EU records |
| Bahrain | Visa-waiver process and action plan listed in EU records |
| Kuwait | Visa-waiver process and action plan listed in EU records |
The UAE already benefits from visa-exempt access to the Schengen Area for eligible short-stay travellers. The other five countries remain the focus of the current process.
The status table reflects the official records available for this report. It does not establish that a waiver has been enacted for the five countries.
Why Travellers Could Benefit From the Change
For many holidaymakers, preparing for an international trip begins well before boarding a flight. Applicants may need to complete forms, gather financial and accommodation documents, arrange appointments and wait for a visa decision. These steps can make spontaneous travel difficult, particularly during school holidays and busy tourism seasons.
If the proposed exemption is eventually implemented, eligible citizens of the five Gulf countries could find it easier to organise short European holidays. Families might have greater flexibility when planning school-break trips, while couples could arrange city breaks and travellers could consider multi-country itineraries with fewer visa-related formalities.
Popular destinations such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Berlin could benefit from greater accessibility. European travel businesses may also find opportunities to promote shopping holidays, cultural tours, luxury experiences and rail journeys to customers across the Gulf.
These are potential tourism benefits, not confirmed forecasts. Any increase in bookings would depend on airfare prices, travel budgets, available flights and the final terms of the exemption.
A Process With Important Legislative Steps
The proposed change has a longer history. In April 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 to exempt citizens of Qatar and Kuwait from the short-stay visa requirement.
The explains that visa exemptions are intended to support closer relations and people-to-people exchanges between Europe and the Gulf.
The proposal also illustrates why political announcements alone cannot introduce a visa waiver. Under the EU’s ordinary legislative procedure, changes to the common visa list generally require agreement by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, alongside the applicable legal and implementation steps.
The current process for the five countries is a separate development from the 2022 proposal concerning Qatar and Kuwait. The two should not be presented as the same legislative decision.
What the 90/180-Day Rule Means
A visa waiver would generally concern short visits rather than an unrestricted right to remain in Europe. Under the standard Schengen short-stay framework, eligible visitors can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to the applicable rules.
Visa-exempt status would not automatically give travellers the right to take up employment, settle permanently or undertake long-term study in a European country. These activities generally require separate authorisation under the relevant national immigration rules.
Border authorities may also check passports and other entry conditions. Visa-free travel does not guarantee admission in every case.
Travellers should consult thE before making decisions based on their individual circumstances.
Important Notice for Gulf Expatriates
Indian nationals and other foreign residents living in the Gulf should not assume that they will qualify for a future Schengen visa waiver.
The proposed change concerns eligible citizens of the five Gulf countries, not everyone holding a residence permit issued by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain or Kuwait. Living and working in a GCC country does not transfer its citizens’ visa-exemption rights to foreign passport holders.
Indian nationals should continue to follow the visa requirements applicable to their nationality unless a separate exemption applies to their circumstances.
Travellers should also avoid making non-refundable flight, hotel or tour bookings on the assumption that the waiver will be available by a particular date. They should wait for formal confirmation of the rules and implementation timetable.
What Comes Next for Gulf-Europe Tourism?
The upcoming EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh could provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss the next stage of the process. The official meeting records already show that the proposed waivers have entered a formal policy discussion, but the remaining legal steps and practical arrangements will determine when travellers might benefit.
For holidaymakers, the prospect is encouraging: fewer visa formalities could make European trips simpler to organise and open new opportunities for flexible itineraries. For airlines, hotels and travel agencies, the development could eventually create fresh demand across the Gulf’s outbound tourism market.
For now, the important distinction is between progress towards a waiver and a waiver that is legally in force. Travellers should follow official EU and GCC announcements before changing their plans. If the process ultimately succeeds, it could represent a meaningful step towards easier travel between the Gulf and Europe—but the practical benefits will begin only when the new arrangements are formally confirmed and implemented.
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