EU-GCC summit could launch process for Schengen visa waiver—GCC chief says deal is ‘very close’

With the second EU-GCC summit set for 24 October in Riyadh, travel platform Wego has published an explainer outlining scenarios for a long-awaited Schengen visa waiver for Gulf nationals. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi told Arab News that the bloc is “very close” to starting the EU legislative process, but stressed that no effective date has been agreed. For UAE citizens the development is largely symbolic—Emiratis have enjoyed visa-free Schengen travel since a 2015 agreement—but it is highly relevant for mixed-nationality households and Gulf-based HR teams who move staff across the region. If the EU does green-light the proposal, Kuwaiti, Qatari, Bahraini, Saudi and Omani passport-holders could ultimately join Emiratis in 90-day visa-free stays, simplifying multi-country project staffing and family travel. However, Wego cautions that a waiver involves several steps: the European Commission must propose amending Regulation 2018/1806, the European Parliament and Council must approve, and each country must sign a reciprocal agreement. Past files suggest the journey can take years. Moreover, even visa-free visitors will have to apply for the delayed ETIAS online permit once it goes live. HR professionals should therefore temper employee expectations and continue booking visa appointments until an official EU communiqué confirms timelines. Meanwhile, firms might use the summit to lobby for faster Schengen appointment slots in Gulf capitals, citing the waiver momentum. Finally, the article underlines that Ireland remains outside Schengen; UAE and other GCC nationals will still need a separate Irish visa irrespective of any new deal, a nuance that corporate travel policies often overlook.