Emiratis can now travel through Europe without applying for visas after the European Parliament on Wednesday waived requirements.

The waiver allows UAE citizens to travel through the 26 Schengen countries without applying for visas, as well as eight non-Schengen states.

The move makes the UAE the first Arab country to be granted free entry to the Schengen zone. It means Emiratis can stay in Schengen zone countries for 90 days in any 180-day period.

The 26 Schengen states are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Emiratis will also have visa-free access to eight non Schengen countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, the Vatican, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco.

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

The Schengen agreement brings to more than 100 the number of countries for which Emiratis do not require a visa. Read More