The European Union is set to introduce tougher rules around visa-free travel, a move that could impact citizens from 61 countries currently enjoying easy access to the Schengen Zone. The goal? Strengthen control over migration and national security across Europe.

While no changes are immediate, the proposed legislation could allow the EU to suspend visa waivers more quickly and easily—raising concerns for tourists, business travellers, and even EU candidate nations.

Who’s on the List?

The revised rules could affect travellers from countries across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe outside the EU. Some of the key nations include:

North America & the Caribbean:

United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, and more.

Latin America:

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and others.

Europe (Non-EU):

United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, and more.

Asia-Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean:

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Seychelles, and others.

All these countries currently have visa-free access to the Schengen Area—but that status could now be revoked more easily if certain conditions are met.

Why Is the EU Making This Move?

The European Union’s updated visa policy stems from growing concerns in four key areas:

  • Irregular Migration: Despite a 31% drop in illegal border crossings in early 2025, the EU remains cautious about migration flows.
  • Security Threats: The EU fears the use of migration as a political weapon—citing past incidents involving Russia and Belarus as examples of “hybrid threats.”
  • Golden Passport Programs: Citizenship-by-Investment schemes raise concerns about security and corruption, as they offer backdoor access to the EU.
  • Human Rights Violations: Countries found violating human rights or international laws could also see visa privileges suspended.

What Are Hybrid Threats?

Hybrid threats refer to the use of non-traditional tactics—like manipulating migration—to apply pressure on other nations. For example, the EU has accused Belarus and Russia of directing migrants toward EU borders to destabilize the region. These tactics are influencing how Europe shapes its immigration and border control policies.

Citizenship-by-Investment Under Fire

Countries offering Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) or “Golden Passport” programs may be at risk under the new framework. These programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial investment, which the EU sees as a security loophole.

Even friendly diplomatic ties might not shield a country from new restrictions if it runs such a program.

What’s Changing in the EU Suspension Process?

The biggest change? Easier suspension of visa-free travel.

  • EU member states will no longer need unanimous approval to suspend visa waivers—a qualified majority vote will now be enough.
  • Visa suspensions can be triggered by:
    • A rise in irregular migration
    • Security or public order risks
    • Political or diplomatic tension
    • Human rights violations or legal breaches

What Travellers Should Expect

If your country is affected, you might soon need to apply for a Schengen visa—a process that involves paperwork, fees, and processing delays.

This could impact:

  • Holiday travel
  • Business trips
  • Family visits

So far, no countries have lost their visa-free access—but the EU is clearly shifting toward a stricter, security-first approach.

Final Thoughts

The European Union is set to introduce tougher rules around visa-free travel, a move that could impact citizens from 61 countries currently enjoying easy access to the Schengen Zone. The goal? Strengthen control over migration and national security across Europe.

While no changes are immediate, the proposed legislation could allow the EU to suspend visa waivers more quickly and easily—raising concerns for tourists, business travellers, and even EU candidate nations.

Who’s on the List?

The revised rules could affect travellers from countries across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe outside the EU. Some of the key nations include:

North America & the Caribbean:

United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, and more.

Latin America:

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and others.

Europe (Non-EU):

United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, and more.

Asia-Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean:

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Seychelles, and others.

All these countries currently have visa-free access to the Schengen Area—but that status could now be revoked more easily if certain conditions are met.

Why Is the EU Making This Move?

The European Union’s updated visa policy stems from growing concerns in four key areas:

  • Irregular Migration: Despite a 31% drop in illegal border crossings in early 2025, the EU remains cautious about migration flows.
  • Security Threats: The EU fears the use of migration as a political weapon—citing past incidents involving Russia and Belarus as examples of “hybrid threats.”
  • Golden Passport Programs: Citizenship-by-Investment schemes raise concerns about security and corruption, as they offer backdoor access to the EU.
  • Human Rights Violations: Countries found violating human rights or international laws could also see visa privileges suspended.

What Are Hybrid Threats?

Hybrid threats refer to the use of non-traditional tactics—like manipulating migration—to apply pressure on other nations. For example, the EU has accused Belarus and Russia of directing migrants toward EU borders to destabilize the region. These tactics are influencing how Europe shapes its immigration and border control policies.

Citizenship-by-Investment Under Fire

Countries offering Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) or “Golden Passport” programs may be at risk under the new framework. These programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial investment, which the EU sees as a security loophole.

Even friendly diplomatic ties might not shield a country from new restrictions if it runs such a program.

What’s Changing in the EU Suspension Process?

The biggest change? Easier suspension of visa-free travel.

  • EU member states will no longer need unanimous approval to suspend visa waivers—a qualified majority vote will now be enough.
  • Visa suspensions can be triggered by:
    • A rise in irregular migration
    • Security or public order risks
    • Political or diplomatic tension
    • Human rights violations or legal breaches

What Travellers Should Expect

If your country is affected, you might soon need to apply for a Schengen visa—a process that involves paperwork, fees, and processing delays.

This could impact:

  • Holiday travel
  • Business trips
  • Family visits

So far, no countries have lost their visa-free access—but the EU is clearly shifting toward a stricter, security-first approach.

Final Thoughts

The EU’s proposed visa policy overhaul is a significant development for global travellers. While it doesn’t immediately change anything, it signals that visa-free access can no longer be taken for granted.

Travellers from the 61 affected countries should stay informed, be prepared for potential changes, and monitor updates from both EU and home country authorities.