EU Approves Tougher Visa-Free Suspension Rules as Digital Travel Systems Advance

The EU has approved major reforms that allow the bloc to suspend visa-free access faster, more easily, and more selectively when third countries fail to meet migration, security, or policy standards.

At the same time, EU member states have endorsed a new digital travel application, marking another significant step toward modernising border checks across the Schengen Area.

Together, these moves signal a tougher, more tech-driven era for EU border management.

Stricter Rules for Suspending Visa-Free Access

The Council has formally endorsed updated rules that overhaul the EU’s current visa-free suspension mechanism. These changes let the EU react more quickly when visa-free travel is misused or poses risks.

Lower thresholds and faster triggers

The new rules reduce the threshold for triggering a suspension. A 30% rise in overstays, asylum claims, refused entries, or serious offences can now launch a review. Previously the requirement was 50%.

The EU may also suspend visa-free access when a country:

• Fails to align with EU visa policy
• Operates “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment schemes
• Shows deteriorating relations with the EU, including human rights violations
• Presents hybrid threats or weak document-security standards

This expanded list gives the EU more flexibility to act before issues escalate.

Longer suspension periods

The updated framework increases the initial suspension to 12 months instead of 9. An extension may last another 24 months, replacing the previous 18-month limit.

During this extended phase, the EU can now target specific groups such as diplomats or officials instead of suspending visa-free access for an entire population. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal and will apply immediately across all member states.

Countries Likely to Face Closer Scrutiny

While the new rules apply globally, the European Commission’s 2024 monitoring report highlights several regions where pressure may increase.

Countries mentioned include:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Georgia
• Moldova
• Ukraine
• Kosovo

These states continue to meet the basic criteria for visa-free travel, but the EU notes persistent issues such as irregular stays, unfounded asylum claims, and gaps in visa alignment.

The EU has already used this mechanism once revoking visa-free access for Vanuatu in 2024 due to its investor citizenship program. Other states offering similar “golden passport” schemes may face increased scrutiny under the new rules.

EU Greenlights a New Digital Travel Application

On the same day the visa-free reforms progressed, EU member states approved a negotiating mandate for a new EU digital travel application, a voluntary tool that will allow travellers to submit digital travel credentials before reaching the border.

The system will include:

• A mobile app for creating digital travel credentials
• A backend service that verifies passport or ID data
• A router that securely sends this information to border authorities

Travellers will still need to carry a physical passport, but border officers will be able to pre-verify identities and run security checks before travellers arrive. This aims to reduce queues and help border officials focus on high-risk cases.

Supports upcoming systems (EES and ETIAS)

The digital travel application aligns with two major EU border systems:

• Entry/Exit System (EES) – already operational and automatically tracking entries, exits, and overstays
• ETIAS – launching in 2026, requiring travellers from visa-free countries to apply pre-travel for authorisation

Digital travel credentials will make these systems faster and more accurate.

Why These Changes Matter

Migration pressure, rising asylum claims, and geopolitical tensions are driving calls for stronger EU border controls. These reforms reflect a broad political push to:

• Tighten oversight of countries enjoying visa-free access
• Address irregular migration more quickly
• Increase security without overwhelming border infrastructure
• Modernise border management with digital tools

The EU now has new powers and new technology to act swiftly when data shows problems.