Latest news with #Farnaud
Leaders
16-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
EU to Waive Visas for Saudi Citizens
Saudi citizens will soon enjoy visa-free travel to European Union (EU) countries within the Schengen area. This groundbreaking policy exempts Saudi citizens from pre-entry visa requirements, enabling seamless travel across 27 member states. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confirmed ongoing efforts to fully eliminate short-stay visa mandates. Ambassador Farnaud emphasized recent advancements in EU-Saudi travel relations. In April 2024, the European Commission introduced multi-entry visas for Saudis and GCC nationals, valid for short stays up to five years. 'These changes reflect Europe's commitment to deepening ties with Saudi Arabia,' he stated. The reforms aim to simplify travel while fostering cultural and strategic collaboration. Strengthening Tourism Ties Furthermore, Farnaud underscored Saudi Arabia's expanding role in global tourism and Europe's pivotal support for this vision. Enhanced tourism exchanges and efficient travel procedures, he noted, will boost mutual understanding and global connectivity. Saudi travelers can now visit Europe multiple times over five years with a single visa, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for business, leisure, and cultural dialogue. The EU's April 2024 ruling harmonized visa rules for GCC citizens, prioritizing Saudi Arabia as a key partner. This landmark decision eliminates repetitive visa applications, saving time and resources for travelers. Saudis can now explore Europe's diverse destinations effortlessly, reinforcing bilateral relations and people-to-people engagement. A Catalyst for Global Collaboration The visa exemption aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of global integration and economic diversification as easier access to Europe will accelerate tourism growth, educational exchanges, and investment flows. Additionally, Farnaud reiterated Europe's enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia's transformative journey, citing shared aspirations for innovation and cross-cultural prosperity. This historic visa waiver marks a milestone in EU-Saudi relations, symbolizing trust and mutual respect. As Saudis embrace hassle-free European travel, both regions stand to benefit from strengthened partnerships and enriched cultural understanding. The world watches as two dynamic regions unite to shape a future of openness and collaboration. Short link : Post Views: 103
Gulf Insider
15-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudis To Get Entry Visa Exemption To EU
Saudi nationals will soon be exempt from pre-entry visa requirements to European Union (EU) countries, allowing them to travel freely within the Schengen area, which comprises the EU's 27 member states, an EU official has said. Christophe Farnaud, the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confirmed that work is underway to exempt Saudi citizens from short-stay visa requirements entirely. In the meantime, recent changes already mark a major development in easing travel between the Kingdom and the EU's 27-member Schengen area. 'About a year ago, specifically in April 2024, the European Commission adopted new rules enabling Saudi citizens – and those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman — to obtain multi-entry visas valid for short stays of up to five years,' Farnaud said. He noted that these changes go beyond convenience; they are a meaningful step toward strengthening people-to-people ties and encouraging regular exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Europe. Ambassador Farnaud also highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing openness to international tourism, emphasising that Europe has a key role to play in supporting this transformation. He pointed to enhanced tourism exchange and streamlined travel procedures as drivers of greater mutual understanding and a shared sense of global community. With this new visa policy, Saudi citizens will be able to travel to Europe multiple times over a five-year period with a single visa — ushering in a new era of accessibility, cultural dialogue, and strategic partnership. In April 2024, the European Union announced its decision to grant a five-year valid multiple-entry visa to citizens of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The decision was adopted by the European Commission to harmonise the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the GCC countries. The landmark decision allows Saudi citizens to visit the EU multiple times over a period of five years with the same visa.
Arab News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah
RIYADH: For the celebration of the Kingdom's Founding Day, Christophe Farnaud, EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, highlighted the long and deep relationship between the EU and the Kingdom. 'On 22 February, we pay tribute to the vision, leadership and resilience that have made Saudi Arabia a prosperous and influential nation,' Farnaud said. 'The European Union is proud to host the celebration of the Kingdom's important national holiday, which reminds us of all the enduring and long-standing friendship between our two nations,' he said. By working together on regional and global issues, the two sides were acting to strengthen their relationship, which continued to mature and evolve, he said. Farnaud stressed the importance of continuing this warm and cooperative spirit, especially in the face of global challenges: 'As we move forward in an increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever.' The EU ambassador underlined the importance of the historic friendship and highlighted the values shared by both regions; peace, stability and mutual respect. Farnaud told Arab News: 'We have chosen to participate in the celebration of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most important dates in the country's identity. 'It's the ideal time to unite our efforts. I think that's one of the reasons for this day, which is obviously a day for the Saudi people, but also a day of national reunion. 'I think for the embassies and for us who are here, it's a way of associating ourselves with this celebration by bringing us closer to the Saudi heritage, which is actually a very important heritage. 'We're standing in one of these old houses in Diriyah, a historic place, where the dynasty was born. 'Today, it's also an emblematic site for one of the country's most important projects and a place where evidence of this ancient heritage remains, which is particularly close to my heart. 'In this context, I was able to bring together my team and guests to do something together to celebrate this event and connect with Saudi heritage. 'We're here to literally touch this local heritage. I think it's a less formal but more engaging way to celebrate this event,' Farnaud said. The celebration, held at Bonjour Saudi in Diriyah, allowed guests to discover local gastronomy and take part in enriching workshops. It also provided insight into the Najdi gates, revealing their cultural significance and impact on Saudi heritage.
