The European Union has announced changes to visa policies for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.

At a forum between the EU and GCC in Luxembourg, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the Commission had harmonised rules for multi-entry visas granted to citizens of the three Arabian Gulf countries.

The new regulations allow multiple entries to visit the border-free Schengen zone of Europe over the five-year period, representing a significant step toward strengthening ties between the EU and GCC nations.

Currently, citizens from the UAE do not require visas for three-month Schengen visits. However, Qatari travellers must apply for visas.

This comes after the GCC’s recent discussion with the EU on launching a Schengen visa waiver for unrestricted travel to Europe. During the meeting between Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi and EU Special representative for the Gulf region Luigi Di Maio in Brussels last month, the pair discussed GCC-European bilateral relations.

In television interviews last month, Albudaiwi said GCC countries deserve exemption from the visa, adding that the bloc has a strong case.

“We have a strong file to obtain the exemption, and God willing, we will celebrate this year by obtaining the exemption for the first time,” he said at the time. He added that Gulf citizens are a positive presence in Europe, with beneficial trade and contributions to education, tourism, and more.

GCC nationals from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are also exempt from UK pre-entry visa requirements.

The Schengen zone, which is comprised of 29 countries, expanded last February to include Bulgaria and Romania.