EU Plans Schengen Visas Valid for More Than 5 Years for Trusted Travellers

The European Union is preparing a major update to its Schengen visa rules. For frequent, low-risk travellers, this could mean multiple-entry visas that last longer than today’s five-year limit.

It is the first time the European Commission has presented a broad, long-term strategy for how EU visa policy should work in the years ahead. The goal is simple: make travel easier for reliable visitors while keeping borders secure.

What Could Change for Frequent Travellers?

Right now, the longest multiple-entry Schengen visa usually lasts up to five years.

Under the new proposal, some travellers could receive visas valid for more than five years. These would still be short-stay visas, meaning you can stay up to 90 days within any 180 days. That rule is not changing.

Who qualifies?

The EU refers to “bona fide” applicants. In plain terms, that means:

• A strong history of following visa rules
• No overstays or violations
• Low migration risk
• Clean security record

This would not be automatic. It would be granted case by case to travellers with a proven record of lawful travel in the Schengen area.

For business travellers, regular tourists, and people with family ties in Europe, this could remove the hassle of reapplying every few years.

Why the EU Wants Longer-Validity Schengen Visas

The European Commission says this reform is about competitiveness.

Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada already offer long-term multiple-entry visas. EU officials argue that Europe must stay attractive for tourism, investment, and business travel.

Frequent visitors bring repeat spending, long-term partnerships, and stable travel patterns. From the EU’s perspective, simplifying access for trusted travellers makes economic sense.

At the same time, consulates would handle fewer repeat applications, easing administrative pressure.

A Fully Digital Schengen Visa Is Coming

Another big shift is digitalisation. The EU plans to replace the traditional visa sticker with a secure digital schengen visa. Applications will move further online, and border systems will become more interconnected.

The aim is twofold:

• Make the visa process more efficient
• Strengthen checks against irregular migration and security risks

Biometric data and border databases will play a key role. In fact, how long biometric data can be stored in EU systems may affect how long these extended visas can remain valid.

So while the idea of a 10-year Schengen visa sounds straightforward, the technical side still needs to be worked out.

When Will These Changes Happen?

Not immediately.

Some elements could move forward from 2026. Others depend on updates to the EU Visa Code and agreement among member states.

Large digital and border management projects take time. This means travellers should not expect overnight changes, but the direction is clear.

Easier for Some, Stricter for Others

Here’s the important balance. While trusted travellers may benefit from longer multiple-entry Schengen visas, the EU also plans tighter rules in other areas.

Visa policy remains linked to migration management and foreign policy. Future visa facilitation for certain countries may depend on cooperation over:

• Readmission of irregular migrants
• Security standards
• Broader diplomatic benchmarks

The EU is also reviewing how visa-free regimes are assessed and plans pilot “Legal Gateway Offices” to help employers and skilled non-EU nationals with immigration processes.

In other words, facilitation and control will move forward together.

What This Means for Travellers

If adopted, this reform could gradually transform the Schengen visa into a longer-term mobility tool for trusted visitors.

For regular travellers with a clean record, this could mean:

• Fewer visa applications
• Greater travel flexibility
• More predictable access to Europe

But the 90/180-day stay rule remains in place, and security screening will continue to be strict.

The bigger picture is this: the EU wants smarter visa rules. Easier access for reliable travellers. Stronger oversight where risks exist.

For travel-savvy visitors who respect the rules, the future of Schengen travel may become simpler and more stable than it is today.