EU to ease visas for Saudi Arabia: Turkish citizens get 5-year free entry while waiting

The European Union (EU) has officially announced that work is underway to implement a short-term visa exemption for Saudi Arabian citizens. In a statement made by the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, it was stated that a new era has begun in visa policies with the Riyadh administration.

Last year, the European Commission made a decision that allowed citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman to obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years to the Schengen area. The aim of this decision is to allow Saudi citizens to travel to Europe more easily. Now, this convenience is planned to be taken a step further and become completely visa-free travel.

While Turks were not even given an appointment, Saudis were exempted

The new policy is being implemented with the aim of strengthening people-to-people ties and developing mutual economic relations. Farnaud stressed that these changes are an important step towards increasing tourism, trade and cultural exchange.

However, this decision was met with backlash from Turkish citizens who have serious difficulties in obtaining visas from European countries and even finding appointments. Many users on social media pointed out that Europe's visa policies towards Türkiye include double standards and commented on "discrimination against Turkish passports."

What does the new regulation bring?

With the new application, Saudi Arabian citizens will be able to enter and exit Europe multiple times with a single visa for short-term visits for 5 years. While it is not yet clear when this exemption will come into effect, it is anticipated that the application will start with business people and diplomatic passport holders.

(Spokesman)

Source: News Center