4-year visas introduced for French travelers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has announced that it will provide visit visas valid for up to four years to French nationals.

What does the change mean? Effective immediately, French nationals will be eligible for four-year, multiple-entry visit visas. The previous maximum validity period for French nationals was two years. The visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The Saudi Arabian Embassy in France announced the change earlier this month.
• Visas/permits affected: Saudi Arabian visit visas.
• Who is affected: French nationals applying for Saudi Arabian visit visas.
• Business impact: The changes ease visas requirements for business travelers from France.

BAL Analysis: Officials hope the increased visa validity will boost business ties between Saudi Arabia and France. The change is welcome development for business travelers who frequently visit Saudi Arabia from France because they will not have to renew their visas as often.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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