61 Countries to Face Tough Schengen Visa-Free Rules

The European Union is preparing to introduce tighter regulations on visa-free travel later this year, a move that could affect numerous countries and reshape travel plans for millions. The new measures would make it easier for the EU to suspend visa exemptions currently granted to citizens of 61 countries.

These proposed changes aim to strengthen migration control and bolster national security. They would apply to both EU candidate countries and other states whose citizens currently enjoy visa-free access.

Who Could Be Affected?

Travellers from 61 nations currently permitted visa-free entry into the Schengen Area may be impacted. These include:

North America & the Caribbean
United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda

Latin America
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua

Non-EU Europe
United Kingdom, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Vatican City

Asia-Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, UAE, Malaysia, Brunei, East Timor, Macao, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Seychelles, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru

While these countries currently benefit from visa-free travel, the proposed policy would allow the EU to revoke that privilege under specific conditions.

Why the Policy Shift?

The EU’s updated stance on visa exemptions is driven by several concerns:

• Irregular Migration: Despite a 31% decline in illegal border crossings in early 2025, the EU remains vigilant.

• Security Threats: The bloc has cited “hybrid threats” — such as alleged tactics by Russia and Belarus using migration as political leverage — as a growing issue.

• Golden Passport Programs: Countries offering citizenship in exchange for investment are under scrutiny, as such schemes are seen as potential gateways into the EU.

• Human Rights & Legal Compliance: Visa privileges may also be suspended in cases involving serious human rights abuses or breaches of international law.

What Are Hybrid Threats?

Hybrid threats refer to the use of non-military tools, like economic pressure, misinformation, or manipulating migration patterns, to destabilise a region. EU officials accuse Belarus and Russia of employing this method by directing migrants toward EU borders in an attempt to exert political influence, prompting a reevaluation of the visa waiver system.

Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Raise Red Flags

Nations offering so-called “golden passports” — citizenship through significant financial investments — may face visa restrictions. These programs are viewed as security risks, as they could potentially grant EU access to individuals without thorough vetting. The presence of such schemes, even in diplomatically friendly countries, may now be grounds for suspending visa-free status.

New Suspension Mechanism

The revised rules give EU member states greater flexibility in suspending visa exemptions. A qualified majority vote, rather than unanimous agreement, would now suffice to implement restrictions.

Possible triggers for suspension include:

• Sudden spikes in irregular migration

• Security threats or public order concerns

• Deteriorating diplomatic ties

• Violations of human rights or international law

Impact on Travellers

Should the new regulations come into effect, travellers from affected countries might need to apply for Schengen visas, involving documentation, processing fees, and longer wait times. This could disrupt travel for tourism, business, education, or family visits.

While no suspensions have been announced yet, the move signals the EU’s intent to adopt a stricter approach to visa liberalisation in the face of evolving geopolitical and security challenges.