30/06/2022 (Agence Europe) – The national ambassadors of the Member States to the EU approved, on Wednesday 29 June, the EU Council’s negotiating mandate on the liberalisation of short-stay visas for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar, proposed in April by the Commission (see EUROPE 12940/9). Citizens of these two countries will no longer need visas when travelling to the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa liberalisation with Kuwait and Qatar will apply after the conclusion of bilateral agreements with these countries, in particular to ensure full reciprocity of this exemption for EU citizens, the EU Council explains in a statement. The exemption should come into force after the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes operational in 2023. (SP)