The European Union (EU) is making changes to its mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for third countries. These changes are aimed at stopping nationals from those countries who misuse this privilege or act against EU interests.
New grounds for suspending visa-free travel introduced
EU member states’ ambassadors have agreed on a draft of these new rules. These will make it easier for the EU to suspend visa-free travel for countries whose citizens are not following the rules or pose security risks.
The updated mechanism introduces several new grounds for suspending visa-free travel:
-
Lack of alignment of a visa-free third country with the EU’s visa policy, especially if it leads to increased arrivals due to geographical proximity.
-
Operation of investor citizenship schemes, where citizenship is granted without genuine links to the country in exchange for payments or investments.
-
Hybrid threats and deficiencies in document security legislation or procedures.
Member states have also agreed that they can suspend visa-free regimes if the relationship between the EU and the third country deteriorates, especially if it is because of human rights issues and basic freedoms being violated.
Existing grounds for suspension remain in place
The following existing grounds for suspending visa-free travel remain in effect:
-
Substantial increase in refused entry or overstaying third-country nationals
-
Substantial increase in unfounded asylum applications from low-recognition rate countries
-
Decrease in cooperation on readmission of people asked to leave the EU
-
Risk or imminent threat to public policy or internal security
The new regulation now makes it clearer what happens if countries who have been through a visa liberalization dialogue do not meet the required benchmarks.
Thresholds and duration of temporary suspension adjusted
The Council negotiating mandate details the thresholds for triggering the suspension mechanism.
These thresholds measure how many more people are being denied entry, overstaying, making asylum claims without valid reasons, and committing serious offenses.
Member states have set the increase threshold at 30%, lower than the 50% proposed by the Commission.
The threshold for considering an asylum recognition rate as low has been set at 20%, higher than the proposed 4%.
The duration of the temporary suspension of visa exemption has been stretched from nine months to a full year. It could even be stretched further by another two years, instead of the current system’s 18 months.
During the suspension period, the European Commission will discuss with the country involved to sort out the issues that caused the suspension.
If no solution is found to remedy the situation during the temporary suspension period, the EU can decide to permanently revoke the visa-free travel regime for the third country in question.
Countries operating golden passport schemes at risk
Several countries whose citizens benefit from visa-free travel to the EU operate “golden passport” schemes.
These schemes grant citizenship to foreigners if they invest a certain amount of money in the country.
These countries include:
-
Antigua and Barbuda
-
Dominica
-
Grenada
-
Montenegro
-
North Macedonia
-
St. Kitts and Nevis
-
St. Lucia
In some cases, citizenship can be obtained for as little as USD 100,000, with little to no background checks on the investors.
The EU has criticized such schemes, calling them a “backdoor to Europe for criminals and the corrupt.”
Under the new rules, countries that run these programs might face suspension of their visa-free travel privileges.
Serbia faces pressure to align visa policies with EU
Serbia, a strong ally of Russia, has faced criticism and warnings from the EU for allowing visa-free entry to nationals of countries known for being sources of irregular migrants to the EU.
Serbia often granted visa-free entry to these countries as a “thank you” for not recognizing the independence of Kosovo.
Following EU pressure, Serbia has reinstated visas for nationals of India, Cuba, Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Tunisia, Burundi, and other countries.
However, the country still offers visa-free entry to several nations whose citizens cannot enter the EU visa-free, including:
-
Armenia
-
Azerbaijan
-
Bahrain
-
Belarus
-
China
-
Indonesia
-
Jamaica
-
Kyrgyzstan
-
Kuwait
-
Kazakhstan
-
Mongolia
-
Oman
-
Qatar
-
Russia
-
Suriname
-
Türkiye.
Under the new rules, Serbia may face suspension of its visa-free travel privileges if it fails to align its visa policies with those of the EU.
ETIAS and beyond
The new rules for suspending visa-free travel may affect various types of travelers to the EU.
Starting in mid-2025, short-term visitors from visa-free countries will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before they arrive at any EU country within the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system designed to enhance security and prevent irregular migration. If a country’s visa-free status is suspended, its nationals will need to apply for a Schengen visa instead of ETIAS.
For long-term travelers and immigrants, such as families, investors, digital nomads, and students, the effects may be more significant.
If their country of origin loses visa-free privileges, they may encounter more thorough checks and requirements when applying for visas or residence permits. This could lead to longer processing times and increased documentation requirements.
A delicate balancing act in immigration policy
The updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel is part of the EU’s bigger plan to manage migration and security challenges.
It complements other measures, such as the upcoming ETIAS, which will help screen travelers before they arrive in the EU.
By expanding the grounds for suspension and adjusting thresholds, the EU aims to create a more responsive and adaptable system.
The new rules show how EU countries have to find a careful balance. They need to make it easy for people to travel and immigrate for valid reasons, while also preventing any misuse or exploitation of the system.
As the EU keeps refining its immigration policies, it must consider the interests of various stakeholders. This includes member states, third countries, and the individuals affected by these policies.
The goal is to create a fair, efficient, and secure system that benefits all parties involved.
A stronger toolbox to tackle visa-free travel abuse
The EU's updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel aims to tackle recent developments and challenges affecting the bloc.
By broadening the grounds for suspension and adjusting thresholds and durations, the EU seeks to protect its interests and maintain the integrity of the visa-free travel system.
As the draft regulation moves forward, third countries will need to carefully consider their policies and practices to avoid potential suspension of their visa-free privileges.