By EU Ambassador, Anne Koistinen

I warmly welcome yesterday’s decision of the European Commission that will allow for stronger people-to-people contacts between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Kuwaiti nationals already enjoy very favorable visa regime since 8 September 2023, when the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Kuwaiti nationals.

This has allowed all eligible applicants, including first-time applicants, to being issued with visas valid for five years, which is the longest possible validity of Schengen visa. Where the validity of the visa would exceed that of the passport, a visa is issued with a period of validity ending three months before the expiry date of the passport. With Schengen visa, travelers can stay 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area which comprises 29 countries.

In the light of the upcoming summer holidays and increasing numbers of visa applications, I encourage all those planning to visit the Schengen Area to apply for the needed visas early. This can be done up to six months in advance. I invite all prospective applicants to follow the instructions and guidance published by the Consular offices of the European Union Member States they are planning to visit.

Visa free travel for Kuwaitis remains one of my priorities during my mandate as EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait. I hope that the European Parliament will look favorably into the Schengen visa waiver proposal for Kuwaiti citizens. Visa waiver would be a major step in facilitating our people-to-people contacts and strengthening political and economic relations as well as research, educational and cultural exchanges.”