European Parliament votes to allow UAE nationals visa-free access to Schengen countries

Brussels: The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to allow Emirati citizens vis-free access to Schengen states, with 537out of 667 votes.

With this landslide voting, all domestic procedures concerning Schengen visa waiver for Emiratis in the European Union have been completed. Emiratis will no longer require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in the Schengen area, whether for business, tourist or family visit purposes.

Sulaiman Hamed Salem Al Mazroui, Head of the UAE Mission to the European Union and UAE Ambassador to Belgium, said the vote is an emphasise that visa-free entry for Emiratis to Schengen countries has come into force.

The victory is a result of the UAE diplomacy and considerable efforts made by its diplomatic missions in Europe over the past three years. The UAE is the first Arab country, second in the Middle East, and third among Islamic countries whose citizens receive this visa waiver, said Al Mazroui, a diplomat who has been hard at work towards abolishing the travel restrictions imposed on UAE citizens.

The achievement is a testament of the UAE’s wise leadership and its support for Emirati citizens and providing them with all possible means and support to have a dignified life not only in the UAE but also abroad.