European Commission Adopts First Global Visa Strategy
In an unprecedented move, the European Commission has adopted its first comprehensive visa strategy, aiming to deeply modernize the Schengen visa regime for tourism and business. The text, unveiled in late January, promises a complete digitization of procedures, better management of biometric data, and the examination of multiple-entry visas with a validity period of more than five years for certain traveler profiles.
Current Legislation
Currently, Schengen legislation allows for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years for short stays (up to 90 days out of 180) in all member states, provided certain conditions are met. However, as part of its new visa strategy, the European Union is exploring the possibility of going beyond this limit, particularly for travelers with a history of legal visas and no record of irregular migration or security risks.
Ambitious Strategy to Increase Legitimate Mobility
The Commission's stated objective is twofold: to facilitate legitimate tourist and business travel while preserving the security and integrity of the external borders of the Schengen area. Tourism represents a significant share of the European economy, contributing hundreds of billions of euros, and business travel is an essential source of revenue for local and regional economies. In this context, a modernized visa policy is seen as a lever to strengthen the Union's attractiveness and simplify procedures for bona fide visitors.
Key Reforms
At the heart of these reforms is the complete digitization of visa applications, which will allow candidates to fill out and submit their files entirely online, without physical contact with consulates, and will gradually phase out traditional adhesive stickers in favor of secure digital visas.
Eligible Profiles for Long-Term Visas
One of the major axes of the strategy, and the most commented on, is the possibility of issuing multiple-entry visas with a validity period of more than five years, a significant advance in European mobility policy. According to the strategy text, these extended visas would be granted primarily to "reliable" travelers, i.e., those with a history of legal visas without violations or overstay, individuals without identified risks of irregular migration, security, or health, travelers who regularly visit the Schengen area for tourist or professional reasons, and professionals who frequently need to travel for business or participate in international events.
What Will Change and What Remains to be Decided
It is essential to note that these measures are not yet in effect. The strategy constitutes a roadmap and a political framework that must now be translated into legislative proposals, subject to the approval of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The exact implementation schedule remains to be specified, but it is clear that the envisioned Schengen visa reforms could be among the most significant since the creation of the common area.
Impact and Reception
Meanwhile, mobility advocates consider this initiative a major breakthrough for frequent travelers and international professionals, while strengthening the EU's role as a global, open destination. However, some experts call for caution, emphasizing that effective implementation will depend on political discussions and ongoing security concerns within member states.
