EU Tightens Visa-Free Travel Rules for 61 Countries Visiting Schengen

The European Parliament has backed a major change to how the EU can control visa-free access, making it easier to block countries that pose security risks or violate human rights. This reform targets the 61 countries whose citizens can currently visit the Schengen area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days.

What’s Changing

Currently, nationals from 61 countries can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But that privilege could now be suspended more quickly and for more reasons than before.

Previously, the European Union could only act if a country’s citizens overstayed their visas, committed serious crimes, or if there was a clear threat to public security.

New Reasons for Suspension

The updated law adds several new reasons why visa-free status can be suspended, including:

• Hybrid threats, such as using migration for political pressure
• Security concerns from “golden passport” schemes that sell citizenship
• Human rights or humanitarian law violations
• Non-compliance with international court rulings
• Failure to align with EU visa policies

In short, if a country benefits from visa-free travel but doesn’t uphold the standards it agreed to, the EU can now freeze or revoke that access.

Holding Govt. and Officials Accountable

One of the biggest changes is personal accountability. The EU will be able to target specific government officials linked to abuses or violations instead of punishing an entire country’s population.

The law also sets clear benchmarks:

• A 30% increase in visa overstays or serious offences may trigger a review
• A 20% recognition rate for asylum claims can signal potential abuse of visa-free entry

The European Commission can make exceptions if the situation demands it.

What This Means for Travellers

If you hold a passport from a visa-free country, this doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly need a visa. But it does mean your country’s visa-free status could be at risk if political or security issues escalate.

For EU travellers and member states, it’s a move to keep borders secure while maintaining fair international relationships. The measure also serves as a reminder that visa-free travel is not an entitlement; it’s a diplomatic trust based on cooperation and shared values.

What Happens Next

The reform passed with 518 votes in favour, 96 against, and 24 abstentions. It still needs final approval from the EU Council before it officially takes effect, 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

Once active, the European Commission can temporarily suspend visa-free entry while investigations are ongoing. If the issues persist, the suspension can become permanent.

So far, the EU has only revoked visa-free access once, against Vanuatu, due to concerns over its citizenship-by-investment program.

Final Thoughts

This reform is about balance. The EU wants to stay open to the world, but not at the expense of security or its commitment to human rights. By updating its visa suspension system, it’s reinforcing a simple message: access to Europe comes with responsibility.