EU Begins Visa Waiver Process for Five Gulf Nations

On October 19, 2026, the Council of the EU formally launched the visa waiver process for five Gulf countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to allow nationals from these countries to travel to Europe without a visa.

The decisions were documented in separate Council conclusions, each tagged with MIGR, VISA, RELEX, and FRONT, indicating the agreements' focus on migration, visa, and border policy. It is crucial to note that this launch does not equate to immediate visa-free access; it signifies the beginning of negotiations and assessments that must be completed before any arrangements can take effect.

Each country received an individual Council conclusion, reflecting the unique nature of the agreements. The EU's interest in strengthening relations with Gulf partners extends beyond trade and cooperation.

The European Commission will assess each country against criteria such as border security and irregular migration risks before granting actual visa-free status, which must be formally adopted into EU law.