EU Tightens Visa Suspension Rules

In a significant legislative reform, the European Parliament has endorsed a more stringent mechanism for suspending visa-free travel privileges, aimed at addressing security risks and human rights violations. The revised mechanism will facilitate quicker and more decisive action against countries that threaten the EU’s internal security or violate human rights.

During a plenary session on Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly to modernize the EU visa suspension mechanism. This mechanism pertains to 61 countries whose citizens currently enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry into the Schengen area for short stays. The reform introduces new criteria for the potential suspension of this privilege, including hybrid threats, the proliferation of investor citizenship programs—often referred to as “golden passports”—and non-compliance with international human rights standards.

The updated rules also aim to hold government officials from third countries accountable by potentially revoking their visa-free status in response to their government’s violations of international law. This measure seeks to deter abuses and ensure that visa policy remains a robust component of the EU’s foreign policy and security measures.

According to MEP Matjaž Nemec, the rapporteur for the legislation, “Europe remains the world’s top destination for tourists and business travelers, making our visa policy a powerful foreign policy instrument. The modernized suspension mechanism allows the EU to swiftly curtail visa-free travel in cases of severe human rights violations and target specific groups, including government officials.” The legislation, having been informally agreed upon by both Parliament and Council negotiators, received a vote of 518 in favor, 96 against, with 24 abstentions. It will officially come into effect 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.