The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that removed most internal border checks, so people can move between them easily, almost like traveling within one country.
It means once you enter any Schengen country, you can travel to the others without routine passport or ID checks. Most EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, except Ireland and Cyprus (which is still joining).
Some non-EU countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also included.
So, if you are travelling from Saudi Arabia to the Schengen Area and looking for an exclusive guide that includes both major and minor details about Schengen visa rules, processing, and benefits, let’s uncover that information right here.
What Is the Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Area started in 1985 when five European countries, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Schengen Agreement to remove internal border checks.
In 1990, the Schengen Convention set the rules, and by 1995, the border-free travel zone became active.
Over the years, the area grew to include 29 countries, including EU members and non-EU countries like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Not all EU countries are in Schengen, and some Schengen members are not part of the EU. The EU is a political and economic union, while Schengen is a passport-free travel area that allows free movement across member states.
When talking about the EU, you may feel confused. What is the difference between the European Union and the Schengen Zone? Here is the answer.
Schengen Zone vs European Union (EU)
The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries that work together on politics, laws, and the economy. The Schengen Area is a group of 29 countries that removed internal borders to allow passport-free travel.
The key difference is their purpose: the EU handles many shared rules and decisions, while the Schengen Area focuses only on travel and border control. This is why some EU countries are not in Schengen, and some non-EU countries are part of Schengen.
For more details, refer to the table below :
| Feature | European Union (EU) | Schengen Area |
| Primary Purpose | The EU works as a political and economic union with shared rules. | The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel by removing internal borders. |
| Membership | The EU has 27 countries. | The Schengen Area has 29 countries (25 EU + 4 non-EU). |
| Governance | Member countries make shared political and economic decisions. | Countries focus on travel rules, border control, and visa policy. |
| Overlap | Many EU countries also belong to Schengen. | It includes non-EU countries like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. |
Schengen Member Countries (2026 Updated List)
| Country | Capital | Year Joined / Schengen Milestone | Part of EU? | Visa Required for Saudis | Important Notes (Visa / Stay) |
| Austria | Vienna | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Saudi citizens need a Schengen visa; max stay 90 days/180-day period. |
| Belgium | Brussels | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; entry for tourism, business, or short study. |
| Bulgaria | Sofia | 1 Jan 2025 | Yes | Yes | Full Schengen visa applies; max stay 90 days; can travel to other Schengen countries. |
| Croatia | Zagreb | 1 Jan 2023 | Yes | Yes | New Schengen member; visa rules same as other members. |
| Czech Republic | Prague | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Saudi travelers must apply; short-term stays only. |
| Denmark | Copenhagen | 2001 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; includes Greenland/Faroe Islands travel rules separately. |
| Estonia | Tallinn | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Saudi citizens need a visa; 90-day limit. |
| Finland | Helsinki | 2001 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; includes all Schengen countries. |
| France | Paris | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; entry for tourism, business, or short courses. |
| Germany | Berlin | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa needed; max 90 days within 180 days. |
| Greece | Athens | 2000 | Yes | Yes | Saudi travelers require Schengen visa; tourism and business allowed. |
| Hungary | Budapest | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; short-term visits only. |
| Iceland | Reykjavik | 2001 | Non-EU, but Schengen member. | Yes | Non-EU; visa required for Saudi travelers; max 90 days. |
| Italy | Rome | 1997 | Yes | Yes | Visa needed; tourism, business, or medical purposes allowed. |
| Latvia | Riga | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; max 90 days. |
| Liechtenstein | Vaduz | 2011 | Non-EU, Very small Schengen country.. |
Yes | Non-EU; Saudi travelers need visa; short-term stays only. |
| Lithuania | Vilnius | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; tourism and business allowed. |
| Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; max 90 days; short-term travel only. |
| Malta | Valletta | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa needed; allows travel across Schengen countries. |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam / The Hague | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; max 90 days; tourism/business allowed. |
| Norway | Oslo | 2001 | Non-EU, Schengen member. | Yes | Non-EU; visa required; Saudi travelers can stay up to 90 days. |
| Poland | Warsaw | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; Saudi citizens can travel for business or tourism. |
| Portugal | Lisbon | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; max 90 days within 180-day period. |
| Romania | Bucharest | 1 Jan 2025 | Yes | Yes | Full Schengen visa applies; max 90 days; Saudi travelers can move across Schengen countries. |
| Slovakia | Bratislava | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; tourism, business, and short study allowed. |
| Slovenia | Ljubljana | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Visa needed; max stay 90 days. |
| Spain | Madrid | 1995 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; Saudi citizens can travel for tourism, business, or short courses. |
| Sweden | Stockholm | 2001 | Yes | Yes | Visa required; max 90 days; Saudi travelers can visit multiple Schengen countries. |
| Switzerland | Bern | 2008 | Non-EU, but part of Schengen. | Yes | Non-EU; Saudi travelers need visa; short-term stays only. |
Schengen Visa Policy for Saudi Travelers
Saudi passport holders must get a Schengen visa before travelling to the Schengen Area for short trips. This visa lets them stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Saudi travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry visa, and first-time applicants may receive a visa valid for up to five years if their passport is valid long enough.
From 2026, travelers will also need ETIAS authorization for short visits once the system starts.
In addition, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will record each traveler’s entry and exit using fingerprints or facial data. This system will help speed up border checks and make travel smoother for visitors from Saudi Arabia.
Types of Schengen Visas for Saudi Citizens
Type A: Airport Transit Visa
A Type A visa allows you to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport on your way to a country outside the Schengen Area. You cannot leave the airport or enter the country. Only citizens of certain countries – such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria – need this visa.
Type C: Short-Stay Visa
A Type C visa is the most common Schengen visa. It allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180 days. People use this visa for :
- Tourism or holidays
- Business trips
- Visiting family or friends
- Short courses or training
- Medical treatment
Type C visas come in different entry options :
- Single-entry visa : You can enter the Schengen Area once. If you leave, the visa becomes invalid even if you still have unused days.
- Double-entry visa : You can enter twice during the visa period.
- Multiple-entry visa : You can enter and leave as many times as you want during the visa’s validity, as long as you follow the 90/180-day rule.
Type D: Long-Stay / National Visa
A Type D visa lets you stay in one Schengen country for more than 90 days. You usually need this visa for :
- Work
- Long-term studies
- Residency
- Family reunification
Even though it is issued by one country, a Type D visa also lets you travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 days, just like a Type C visa.
Other Specific Visas
Type B (overland transit visas) no longer exist and are now included under Type C visas. Some special cases—like seasonal work for less than 90 days—also fall under the short-stay visa category with extra conditions.
Schengen Visa Application Process in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Start by gathering all the documents you need. Fill out the online application form, then print and sign it. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages. Prepare two recent passport-sized photos that meet the required rules. You must also get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation for your entire trip. Finally, collect other supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, flight bookings, and proof that you can afford your stay.
Step 2: Book an appointment and submit your application
Book an appointment online through the Visa Application Center (VAC) like The Visa Guy. Go to the VAC on your appointment day and submit your application form along with all the required documents. You will also need to pay the visa fee at the center.
Step 3: Visa processing
The embassy usually processes the visa within 15 days, but in some cases it may take 30 or even 60 days, depending on the application and documents. Keep in mind that the embassy cannot promise a specific return date for your passport.
In special cases – such as for diplomatic or service passport holders travelling for official purposes – applicants may submit their documents directly at the Embassy of the Czech Republic, but only with a prior appointment.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Saudi Arabia
You can apply for a Schengen visa at a VFS Global application center in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. These centers handle most visa applications and act as the main submission points.
You can also apply directly at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit. This option is usually for special cases, such as diplomatic passport holders or applicants applying directly to the Embassy of Switzerland in Riyadh.
In general, using a VFS Global center is the easiest and most common way to submit your Schengen visa application.
Schengen Zone Benefits for Saudi Travelers
- Get one visa to visit 29 European countries, making travel across multiple countries simple and convenient.
- Travel freely without internal border checks once you enter the Schengen Zone.
- Save time at airports with ETIAS (travel authorization) and EES (entry/exit system) for faster and smoother border processing.
- Explore Europe for tourism – visit famous cities, landmarks, and cultural attractions without needing multiple visas.
- Do business easily – attend meetings, conferences, or trade events in multiple countries with the same visa.
- Visit family or friends across Schengen countries without extra paperwork.
- Stay flexible for short trips. You can move between countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
- Benefit: frequent travelers like multiple-entry visas allow repeated travel in the validity period.
- Access safe and secure borders. It enhances security measures to help protect travelers while making entry smooth.
- Plan spontaneous trips. Once you have a visa, you can travel to several countries without applying for separate visas.
Conclusion
The Schengen Zone opens the door to seamless travel across 29 European countries. As a Saudi traveler, you can enjoy borderless movement by following the correct visa application steps.
From 2025 onward, new systems like ETIAS and EES will make your journey safer, quicker, and more transparent, helping you experience Europe with greater ease. For smooth and reliable visa support, contact The Visa Guy for Schengen visa assistance.
FAQ’s
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Can I visit multiple countries with one Schengen visa?
Yes, you can visit all 29 Schengen countries with one valid Schengen visa. -
How long can I stay in the Schengen Zone?
You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on your visa. -
Is the Schengen visa valid for the UK?
No, the Schengen visa does not allow entry into the UK. You need a separate UK visa. -
Can Saudi residents (non-citizens) with an Iqama apply for a Schengen visa?
Yes, residents of Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama can apply for a Schengen visa. -
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa if you meet the requirements and show a strong travel history. -
Can I enter through a different country than the one I applied to?
Yes, you can enter through another Schengen country, but you should ideally spend most of your trip in the country you applied to.
