EU tightens rules on visa-free travel over security, human rights, and migration concerns

The European Union has adopted stricter criteria for suspending visa-free travel arrangements with third countries, in a move aimed at safeguarding security, migration management, and the bloc’s external relations.

The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers jointly approved updates to the existing visa suspension mechanism, enhancing the EU's capacity to respond to what it deemed “abuse” of visa-free travel or practices that run counter to its interests.

Under the revised rules, the EU will be able to take action not only in cases of increased irregular migration or low asylum approval rates - as has been the norm - but also under newly introduced grounds. These include:

Visa policy misalignment: If a country’s visa-free regime enables nationals of other third countries to access the EU irregularly due to geographical proximity;

Investor citizenship schemes: If a country grants citizenship in exchange for money or investments to individuals with no genuine link to the country;

Hybrid threats and document security weaknesses: Including deficiencies in legal frameworks or procedures that could compromise the integrity of travel documents;

Deterioration of relations with the EU, especially in areas concerning human rights, fundamental freedoms, or serious breaches of the UN Charter.

“These reforms strengthen the EU’s ability to act swiftly and effectively in response to evolving risks and political developments,” an EU official said, noting that the new grounds complemented existing triggers such as a rise in asylum claims from countries with low recognition rates or a surge in overstays.