The EU government has established new grounds for suspending the visa-free regime for third-country nationals. Currently, citizens of 65 countries can travel to the Schengen area without a visa. Find out more about the possible grounds for suspension of the visa-free regime

The European Union is tightening control over the visa-free regime for third-country nationals. Under the new rules, countries that do not meet EU standards or violate them may lose this right. One of the main reasons may be the inconsistency of the visa-free regime policy with the EU policy or the use of "golden passports" for obtaining citizenship by investors.

The new rules also provide for the possibility of suspending the visa-free regime in case of an aggravation of the situation in the EU's relations with a third country. This may happen in case of violations of human rights or other fundamental freedoms.

These changes were adopted after consultations between EU member states. They are intended to ensure security and control over migration flows, while maintaining a balance between openness to legitimate travel and protection from potential threats.

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Grounds for cancellation of the visa-free regime

The previously established grounds for cancellation of the visa-free regime will remain in force in the future:

1. A significant increase in the number of citizens of a country with a visa-free regime who are denied entry or found to have overstayed their stay;

2. An increase in the number of unfounded asylum applications with a low percentage of people being recognised as citizens of such a country;

3. Refusal to cooperate with the EU on the readmission of persons who have been asked to leave the EU;

4. Failure to continue to meet the criteria for visa liberalisation;

5. Countries with EU visa-free regime that use "golden passport" schemes.

In some countries that have a visa-free regime with the European Union, there are programmes under which foreigners can obtain citizenship by investing a certain amount in that country. Such schemes are active in countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. For example, in Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, foreigners can obtain citizenship by investing as little as USD 100,000.

Once this investment is made, foreigners are granted citizenship and a passport within a short period of time. This passport allows the holder to enter Schengen countries without the need for a visa. Often, investors are hardly or minimally checked.

The European Union has expressed criticism of such schemes, which has come from third countries as well as EU members. They consider these schemes to be a "back door" for criminals and corrupt officials, as it can lead to the granting of citizenship without verification of income and other important factors.

Suspension of the visa-free regime for Serbia

Serbia, known for its relations with the EU, has become the centre of attention for its visa policy. The inconsistency of this policy with EU requirements has drawn significant criticism from European officials. The openness to citizens of some countries known for illegal migration has led to serious warnings from the EU.

Of course, Serbia granted visa-free entry to citizens of these countries as a form of "gratitude" for their support in not recognising the Republic of Kosovo. However, under pressure from the EU, Serbia was forced to revise its visa policy and return to a visa regime for countries considered to be a source of illegal migrants to Europe.

Serbia remains open to several countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia and others. However, citizens of these countries cannot enter the EU without visas. This reflects Serbia's complex relationship with the EU and the country's desire to adhere to European standards while remaining open to its historical allies.

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The editors of Visit World recommend using the Work Guide for any EU country for a comfortable and safe trip.

The guide is a detailed written document that contains basic advice on obtaining a visa, crossing the border, getting a job, citizenship, and much more. More details at the link.

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