Saudi Arabia’s new move is to transform travel between the Gulf and Europe. The policy change will allow Saudi nationals to travel and transit through the 27 Schengen countries without any visa. It will allow Saudi citizens to do business, travel, or spend leisure time across Europe with less hassle.

The final agreement isn’t official yet, and Saudi nationals can now apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas. With this visa, Saudi nationals are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to five years.

Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia confirmed that the exemption process is underway. Until the official confirmation is out, Saudi nationals must adhere to existing visa requirements. 

Saudi citizens can also apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, which allows them to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.