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EU to Introduce Long-Term Schengen Visas (5+ Years) for Trusted Travellers

February 25, 2026 5:26 am

EU to Introduce Long-Term Schengen Visas (5+ Years) for Trusted Travellers

The European Union plans major Schengen visa reforms to benefit trusted frequent travellers. Officials aim to simplify travel while strengthening security through clearer, long-term visa options. Read this hiring-style publication for duties, qualifying criteria, and practical implications for applicants and stakeholders. The sections below list proposed changes, eligibility, digitalisation, timing, and traveller impacts.

What the proposal changes

The EU proposes multiple-entry visas valid for longer than five years for low-risk travellers. These long-term visas would remain short-stay, allowing the right to ninety days within any 180 days. The aim is to reduce repeat applications while preserving existing stay limits and controls. Member states will still manage visa issuance and assess national security implications on a case-by-case basis. The Commission frames this as a strategic shift toward smarter mobility and administrative efficiency.

Who could qualify

Eligible applicants must show consistent compliance with Schengen rules and low migration risk.
Applicants require no prior overstays, no visa violations, and a clean security history.
Business travellers, repeat tourists, and family visitors could benefit from longer validity periods.
Granting will be discretionary and depend on documented travel history and risk assessment.

This approach rewards reliable travellers while maintaining case-by-case scrutiny.

Why the EU supports longer visas

The Commission argues that longer visas will boost tourism, investment, and business travel across member states. Other countries already issue extended multiple-entry visas, creating competitive pressure on Europe. Reducing repeat applications could ease consular workloads and cut administrative costs. Consistent visitors tend to foster stable economic relationships and predictable travel patterns, strengthening regional competitiveness.

Digital Schengen visa and security upgrades

The EU plans to replace paper stickers with a secure digital Schengen visa linked to biometric checks. This digitalisation should streamline applications and improve border interoperability across systems. Stronger biometric data use and interconnected databases will enhance security and migration control. How long biometric data can be stored may influence the maximum validity offered for extended visas. Technical and legal safeguards will therefore shape final validity decisions.

Timing and implementation

Some elements of the reform could start appearing from 2026, but widespread changes will take longer. Updates to the EU Visa Code require agreement among member states before full rollout. Large digital projects and border system upgrades involve significant time and investment across the bloc. Travellers should not assume immediate availability, but they should prepare for progressive implementation steps.

Balancing facilitation and control

While trusted travellers will gain easier access, the EU will tighten rules linked to migration and foreign policy cooperation. Visa facilitation may depend on readmission agreements and diplomatic benchmarks with third countries. The Commission also plans pilot Legal Gateway Offices to assist employers and skilled non-EU nationals with immigration processes. Thus, facilitation and enhanced controls will advance together.

Conclusion

If adopted, proposed reforms could transform Schengen visas into longer-term mobility tools for reliable travellers. Prepare by maintaining clean travel records and documenting lawful stays to increase eligibility chances. Stay informed on legal, technical, and timing developments to align travel planning with forthcoming rules.