Visa-Free Europe on the Horizon for GCC Citizens

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has set its sights on a significant move that could revolutionise travel for its citizens — a bid for a Schengen visa waiver! 

This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi, aims to allow Gulf citizens to travel freely across Europe without needing a visa. As GCC nations continue to develop positive ties with European countries, this proposal could mark a new chapter in their relationship.

Who Are GCC Citizens?

The GCC, short for Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional union comprising 6 countries in the Arabian Peninsula — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. 

Citizens of these countries are referred to as GCC citizens. These nations share similar political, cultural, and economic interests, which led to the formation of the GCC in 1981 to boost cooperation and strengthen their ties.

GCC Pushes for Visa-Free Travel in Europe

In a recent announcement, Jasem Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the GCC, declared the council's intention to “vigorously pursue” a waiver from the Schengen visa requirements for its citizens. This statement was made ahead of a crucial trip to Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, where Albudaiwi plans to discuss this proposition further. 

The Schengen visa currently facilitates non-Europeans to travel freely between 27 European countries. This visa has been a long-standing requirement for Gulf nationals. Albudaiwi's discussions with Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, focused not only on the visa waiver process but also on strengthening GCC-European bilateral relations.
 

Positive Impact and Future Prospects

The GCC's move towards a visa waiver stems from the bloc's desire to simplify travel for its citizens who engage in education, tourism, medical treatment, and trade in Europe. Amidst this, Albudaiwi emphasised the positive contributions of Gulf citizens to Europe and expressed confidence in the GCC's strong case for the exemption. 

Furthermore, the GCC's recent approval of a unified Gulf visa system showcases its commitment to facilitating travel within its own region. This initiative is expected to bolster tourism and economic growth among the GCC countries.