Visa-free access for Emiratis to Europe

Travel agents anticipate increased business with new rules providing access to 34 Schengen-area countries.

ABU DHABI // European travel for Emiratis is about to become much simpler.

More than a year after the European Parliament voted to allow visa-free travel to Europe for UAE citizens, an announcement will be made this month that Emiratis no longer need visas for the Schengen area.

The addition of the 26 Schengen countries, plus another eight where Schengen rules apply, brings to more than 100 the number of countries that are visa-free for Emiratis.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed described the Schengen exemption as an “achievement for UAE diplomacy”. He thanked Sulaiman Al Mazroui, the UAE’s Ambassador to the European Union, and his team for their efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will now launch an advertising campaign on social media and elsewhere to make Emiratis aware of the new travel rules, including advice on how long they are permitted to stay.

The ministry urged UAE nationals to read the travel advice page on its website, mofa.gov.ae.

They can also register with the ministry’s Tawajedi (My Whereabouts) service for use in case of emergencies abroad, and download a mobile app, UAEMOFA.

The website contains the contact numbers of UAE missions abroad.

With the announcement, travel agents are anticipating increased business and airlines to come up with special offers. Etihad Airways has already introduced promotions for its European destinations.

“Etihad is running promotions on European destinations, such as London and Munich, because visas for Emiratis have been waived,” said Almond Muntefrio of Palm Oasis Travel Agency in Abu Dhabi.

The Schengen-area countries are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The eight countries outside the Schengen area where visa-free rules apply in practice are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, the Vatican, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco.

The UK and Ireland are not in the Schengen area, but since the beginning of last year Emiratis have been able to apply online for a free visa waiver for travel to the UK.