Opening up Europe

Visa waivers for Emiratis visiting 34 countries is well timed for the start of the summer heat

Emirati passport-holders can now more easily visit European capitals including Paris. (Charles Platiau /Reuters)
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Emiratis having to apply in advance for a visa to travel to most of Europe has always felt like an anomaly but thanks to years of quiet but persistent diplomacy, that barrier to free travel has been consigned to the past. When the UAE and the European Union signed the Schengen Area visa waiver this week, it opened up easy access to 34 countries for UAE passport holders.

The timing of this move is fortunate, coming a few months before the summer season when we traditionally travel to Europe and the UK. To make matters sweeter, airfare prices are their most competitive in years. The visa waiver puts the countries of the Schengen zone ahead of Britain, where Emiratis still have to apply at least 48 hours in advance for an electronic visa waiver.

Those who hold western and some other passports take for granted the ability to travel through Europe on a whim. It is high time Emiratis were able to share in that ease of travel in the EU.