Germany issued 74,000 visas to Saudis in 2015

JEDDAH: The German Embassy in Saudi Arabia has revealed it had issued 74,000 visas for Saudi citizen in 2015, a 25 percent rise from 2014, and the highest in its history in the Kingdom.
The embassy in Riyadh issued 60,000 visas and the consulate in Jeddah 14,000. There is expected to be a higher number issued this year, according Michael Ohnmacht, spokesman for the German embassy.
He was quoted as saying to a local publication on Monday that 75 percent of the Schengen visas issued for Saudis were for tourism. “The other remaining visas were for medical treatment or business,” he said.
He said the embassy issued in 2010 14,563 visas, 24,692 in 2011, 43,014 in 2012 and 56,211 in 2013. The figure dropped to 48,581 in 2014 before picking up to 60,000 in 2015.
He said during busy times such as Ramadan and the summer holidays, around April to July, it took more time than usual to issue visas. It was best to apply four weeks before one plans to travel, but applications can be made three months before the date of departure.
Ohnmacht said there were no changes in the visa system for Saudis compared to last year. “All the information needed to apply for a visa is available on the embassy’s website,” he said.
Commenting on the agreement which allows United Arab Emirates citizens to enter the European Union without a visa, he said: “We understand the desire of Saudi citizens to benefit from such a similar agreement but this will require some time to bring together the views of the two sides as was the case with the UAE. Such an agreement is mostly based on the principle of reciprocity ...”
He said the rise in visas shows that Saudis were interested more than ever to visit Germany.