The European Union Commission has unveiled plans for sweeping Schengen visa reforms, seeking to modernize its short-stay travel regulations. These changes address several identified shortcomings within the current system. They aim to simplify processes for certain travellers, yet also tighten rules where necessary.
Currently, EU rules on short-stay visas apply to non-EU citizens who require a visa to enter the Schengen area. This allows visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Purposes include tourism, work, training, and family visits, among others; 61 countries or territories are exempt from this visa requirement.
A key focus of the proposed reforms is facilitating travel for business visitors. The Commission intends to explore ways to ease entry for reliable applicants and trusted business travellers. This could involve creating common lists of verified companies by third countries or jurisdictions.
Employees of these recognized companies might benefit significantly. They could receive targeted facilitations such as fast-track processing and priority appointments. Moreover, they may need to provide fewer supporting documents during their application.
The Commission notes that business travellers representing trusted companies generally pose a lower risk. However, no common EU approach currently exists to identify these individuals or their corporate sponsors. Some EU countries offer national facilitation schemes, but these do not apply across the entire Schengen area. This creates fragmentation for businesses operating in multiple member states.
Meanwhile, the new proposal, expected in the first quarter of 2027, also seeks to introduce stricter measures. Rules will tighten against third countries that do not sufficiently cooperate in combating illegal migration, migrant smuggling, or security threats. The Commission is considering introducing restrictive visa measures at the EU level.
These restrictions could apply in cases of serious deterioration in a non-EU country’s political or security situation. This includes hostile actions, hybrid threats, and the instrumentalisation of migration. Acts of sabotage, espionage, or open aggression are also among the concerns.
In addition, the EU executive is looking at a harmonised additional charge. This fee would be levied at the EU level on top of the standard Schengen visa fee. Revenues generated would then support the further development of the common visa policy.
In 2024, Schengen countries received over 11.7 million applications for short-stay visas. Nearly 10.3 million visas were issued. Schengen countries include EU member states (excluding Ireland and Cyprus), plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
The Commission has invited interested stakeholders to provide comments by October 6. This includes people living in the EU, citizens of non-EU countries, national authorities, businesses, travellers, and civil society organizations.
