Schengen Access at Risk: EU Moves to Tighten Visa-Free Travel Rules

On June 17, 2025, the European Union Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement to strengthen the rules that govern visa-free access to the Schengen Area for third countries. This development aims to make it easier for the EU to suspend visa-free travel arrangements in cases of misuse or policy misalignment.

The move could significantly affect nationals of countries currently enjoying visa-free entry to the Schengen zone, especially those involved in citizenship-by-investment programs, or whose visa policies diverge from EU standards.

EU Tightening Visa-Free Travel Rules

The updated legislation introduces several critical changes to the existing framework, making it easier and faster for the EU to temporarily, or even permanently, suspend visa-free travel agreements with third countries if:

1. Mismatch in Visa Policies

If a country allows visa-free access to nationals that the EU requires visas from, it may cause increased irregular migration to Europe. This misalignment could lead to visa suspension.

2. Investor Citizenship Concerns

Countries offering citizenship in exchange for money, known as golden passport schemes, must meet strict EU standards. If they don’t, their visa-free deal with the EU could be suspended.

3. Security and Cyber Threats

If a country is linked to hybrid threats like spreading disinformation, election interference, or cyberattacks, the EU may suspend its visa-free status to protect its security interests.

4. Strained Diplomatic Ties

When a country’s relationship with the EU worsens due to political tension, human rights concerns, or other issues, it could lose visa-free access to the Schengen Area as a response.

These changes reflect growing concern that visa-free access is being abused or undermining EU interests.

“Unified visa policies are essential to safeguard the Schengen Area and ensure secure and fair mobility,” the EU Council stated.

Longer Suspension Periods Proposed

Currently, the EU can suspend a country’s visa-free status for up to nine months. Under the new rules, this suspension period would increase to 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension if concerns are not resolved.

During the initial suspension, the European Commission would open discussions with the affected country to seek a solution. However, if the problems persist, the EU could move to permanently revoke visa-free travel privileges.

Additionally, the updated rules introduce clearer thresholds for triggering suspensions, offering more transparency and predictability in how decisions are made.

Countries That Currently Enjoy Visa-Free Travel to the Schengen Area

As of June 2025, visa-free access to the Schengen Area is granted to nationals of several third countries, including:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• Georgia
• Moldova
• Ukraine (with biometric passports)
• Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by Kosovo or municipalities with Albanian majorities)

However, under the proposed changes, some of these countries could face closer scrutiny if they fall short of the EU’s updated visa exemption criteria.

What This Means for Travellers

For travellers from third countries, especially those benefiting from citizenship-by-investment programs or with less stringent visa regimes, this update means:

• More uncertainty about continued visa-free access.
• Greater importance of aligning with EU standards.
• Possible delays or new visa requirements in the near future.

Travellers are advised to monitor EU announcements and check entry requirements before planning trips to the Schengen zone.

Next Steps: Approval Still Needed

Although the agreement between the EU Council and Parliament has been reached, it remains provisional. The final text must still be formally approved by both institutions before it becomes law.

A Stricter Future for Visa-Free Travel

The EU’s planned tightening of visa-free rules underscores its commitment to security, policy coherence, and migration control. While the changes won’t affect every country, they serve as a clear signal: visa-free access to the Schengen Area comes with increasing conditions and accountability.