Last month, the EU unveiled a new visa strategy, with the express aim of reconciling security, mobility and competitiveness in the Schengen area.
While security remains a core objective, there is also a clear push to make legitimate travel easier, faster, and more user-friendly — especially for tourism and other bona-fide travel purposes.
Much of the change will be made through the introduction of fully digitalised visa processes in all countries.
Another proposed measure is to issue longer-term, multiple-entry visas for frequent and trusted travellers. The plan is aimed particularly at business travellers, academics, and tourists. Second-home owners would also be one of the main beneficiaries.
Rather than applying for a new visa for every trip, travellers with a good travel history could obtain visas valid for several years.
Although the precise definition of a “good travel history” is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to include compliance with EU visa rules and the ability to meet standard entry requirements.
Once eligible, such travellers may receive visas that allow them to enter and re-enter the EU many times over a longer validity period, potentially up to 5 years without the need to apply each time for a visa.
However, such rights would not change the 90/180-day rule, under which non-EEA nationals can only stay in the Schengen area without a visa for 90 days in 180 days. The duration of the visa’s validity would remain separate from the stay allowance.
Neither do the plans change the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to begin operations in later this year. While ETIAS is technically not a visa, it acts as a pre-travel authorisation for nationals of visa-free countries. The EU states that the ETIAS applications are expected to be simple, online and quick, similar to travel authorisation systems used by the United States (ESTA).
The timescale for implementation has not been clearly set out, but it is unlikely to be operational for several years. It will need the approval of Member States, which cannot be assumed.
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