New Mechanism Allows Faster, Longer Suspensions for Non-EU Countries
The European Union has adopted new regulations that grant it the ability to suspend visa-free travel for non-EU countries more quickly and for longer periods if concerns related to migration or security arise. These updates come as political pressure increases across the Schengen Area to enhance border controls.
The updated regulations, finalized by the Council of the European Union, include several major changes:
- Lower Threshold for Review: The trigger for initiating a review of a country’s visa-free status has been lowered from a 50% rise in irregular indicators (such as overstays or asylum claims) to a 30% rise.
- Longer Suspension Periods: The initial suspension period can now last up to 12 months (up from nine months), with a potential extension of another 24 months (up from 18 months).
- Expanded Grounds for Suspension: Visa-free access can now be restricted for additional reasons, including:
- Misalignment with EU visa policies.
- Operating “golden passports” (investor citizenship programs).
- Experiencing serious human rights violations or breaches of the UN Charter.
- Posing hybrid threats or document-security risks.
- Targeted Measures: Suspensions can be applied selectively, for example, only to diplomats or government officials, rather than all travelers from a country.
These reforms coincide with the rollout of new border systems like the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which are expected to support faster and more accurate application of the new suspension rules.
The changes signal a tougher stance by the EU on irregular migration and policy misalignment among visa-free countries.
