The European Commission has presented a strategy for updating the visa system, which could significantly change the rules for traveling to the Schengen area. The reform includes extending the validity of visas, switching to a digital format, and new approaches to border control. Learn more about who will be eligible for a Schengen visa valid for more than 5 years and what conditions must be met to obtain one

The European Union has announced plans for a major reform of its visa policy. Among the key innovations is the possibility of obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for more than five years. There are also plans to switch to digital visas and modernize border control.

Who will be able to take advantage of the new rules, under what conditions, and when to expect changes — we will tell you more in this article.

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New Schengen visa validity periods: what is the European Commission proposing?

The European Commission has unveiled its first long-term strategy for the development of the EU visa system. The central element of this strategy is a proposal to increase the maximum validity of multiple-entry Schengen visas. Currently, the longest multiple-entry visa is issued for five years. The new initiative provides that certain categories of applicants will be able to obtain a visa for an even longer period. It is important to understand that we are still talking about a visa for a short-term stay — the 90-day rule within every 180 days remains unchanged.

The decision to issue such a visa will be made individually for each applicant. There is no automatic issuance mechanism — each case will be considered separately, taking into account the visa history and behavior of the traveler during previous trips to the Schengen area.

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Who can get a Schengen visa for more than 5 years?

The European Commission uses the term “trusted traveler.” This category includes travelers who have a long and impeccable history of complying with visa rules. The main criteria include no instances of exceeding the permitted length of stay, no violations of migration laws, low migration risk, and a clean security record.

In practice, extended visas may be relevant for business travellers who regularly visit partners in Europe, regular tourists with a proven reputation, and people who have family ties with EU residents. For such applicants, the new system will avoid the need to resubmit documents every few years.

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Why is the EU changing its visa policy?

The European Commission cites Europe's competitiveness on the international stage as the main motive for the reform. Countries such as the US, the UK, and Canada already offer long-term multiple-entry visas. European officials recognize that the EU must remain an attractive destination for tourism, business travel, and investment. Regular visitors ensure a steady flow of spending, foster partnerships, and shape predictable travel patterns.

In addition to the economic aspect, the reform also has an administrative purpose. The consulates of EU member states process a huge number of repeat visa applications every year. Reducing this flow by issuing long-term visas to reliable travelers will relieve the burden on consular services and reduce waiting times for all applicants.

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Digital Schengen visa: no more stickers in passports

In parallel with the extension of validity periods, the EU plans to switch completely to a digital format for Schengen visas. The traditional visa sticker in the passport will be replaced by a secure electronic document. Applications will also be submitted online, which will significantly simplify the procedure for applicants from different countries around the world.

Biometric data and interconnected border databases will play a key role in the new system. Digitization should increase security and speed up border checks, ensuring more effective interaction between the border services of different member states.

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Timeline for the implementation of the new Schengen visa rules

The reform will be implemented in stages. Some elements of the new system may be operational as early as 2026. However, full implementation depends on the revision of the EU Visa Code and the agreement of all member states. Large-scale digital projects and the modernization of border infrastructure require significant time for development and testing.

The general direction of the reform is clearly outlined, but the specific deadlines for each stage are still to be finalized. Travelers should follow the official announcements of the European Commission to learn about new opportunities and requirements in a timely manner.

Along with simplifying procedures for reliable travelers, the EU plans to strengthen migration and security controls. The reform provides for more thorough checks on applicants who pose a potential risk of illegal migration, as well as improvements to the mechanisms for assessing visa-free regimes. Additional initiatives include the launch of pilot “legal centers” to assist employers and qualified third-country nationals with migration procedures.

EU visa policy is closely linked to foreign policy and migration management issues.

Further simplification of visa procedures for individual countries will depend on their cooperation in the readmission of illegal migrants, compliance with security standards, and fulfillment of broader diplomatic criteria. In other words, liberalization and control will develop in parallel, complementing each other.

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Get medical insurance for travel to Europe!

Planning a trip to the Schengen area requires mandatory medical insurance — this is one of the key requirements for obtaining a visa. On the Visit World portal, you can quickly and conveniently purchase travel medical insurance that meets all the requirements of EU consulates.

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Reminder! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

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