Kuwait

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi has revealed encouraging developments in efforts to secure visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area for Kuwaiti citizens and nationals of several other Gulf countries. His comments indicate that diplomatic discussions between the GCC and the European Union may soon enter an important new phase, potentially paving the way for easier travel arrangements in the future.

Speaking during an interview with the Arab Views programme produced by Arab News, Al-Budaiwi said the GCC countries whose citizens still require Schengen visas are very close to beginning the process that could eventually lead to a waiver. He expressed optimism that positive news may emerge during the second GCC-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 24, 2026.

The countries concerned are Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. The United Arab Emirates is currently the only GCC member whose citizens already benefit from visa-free short visits to the Schengen Area, following an agreement that took effect in 2015. The ongoing discussions reflect broader Gulf efforts to strengthen international mobility, tourism, business exchanges and relations with European partners.

Al-Budaiwi explained that the relevant European review procedures could begin simultaneously for the five countries, although the time required to complete each country’s process may differ. Progress will depend on the specific requirements applicable to each case and how quickly the necessary information and documentation are provided. He cited Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as examples of countries whose applications could be reviewed in parallel without necessarily reaching completion at the same time.

Importantly, the GCC Secretary-General did not announce a confirmed implementation date for visa-free travel. He made clear that the expected progress concerns the beginning of the waiver process rather than the final approval of an exemption. Consequently, Kuwaiti citizens must continue to comply with existing Schengen visa requirements until the relevant European authorities formally approve any changes and announce when they will take effect.

The upcoming GCC-EU Summit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to deepen cooperation on travel, trade, investment and wider strategic relations. For Kuwaiti travellers, any concrete progress on visa arrangements could eventually make tourism, family visits and business trips to European destinations more convenient, although the precise outcome remains subject to official negotiations and procedures.

For now, the developments represent a promising diplomatic step rather than an immediate change to entry rules. Kuwaiti citizens planning journeys to Schengen countries should therefore continue following the instructions issued by the relevant European embassies and consulates, while monitoring official announcements for confirmed decisions on any future visa waiver.