EU Plans Schengen Visas Beyond Five Years

Brussels moves to extend multiple-entry validity

The European Union has unveiled a new visa policy strategy that could extend the validity of multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the current five-year cap. Announced by the European Commission in January 2026, the proposal forms part of a broader effort to modernize and harmonize visa rules across the Schengen Area.

Under existing rules, multiple-entry visas are limited to a maximum of five years, after which applicants must reapply. The new framework would allow selected travelers with a strong compliance record to receive visas valid for longer periods.

Targeting bona fide travelers

The extended validity would apply only to applicants considered bona fide travelers, meaning individuals with a history of lawful travel, low migration risk, and secure background profiles. The approach is designed to reduce administrative pressure on consulates while maintaining strict eligibility standards.

By limiting longer-term visas to trusted travelers, the EU aims to make Europe more accessible to frequent visitors without weakening border controls.

A fully digital Schengen visa system

A central pillar of the reform is the complete digitalization of visa procedures. Physical visa stickers are expected to be replaced with secure digital visas, supported by a centralized online application platform. Applicants would submit documentation electronically and track their visa status through an integrated system.

Digitalization is expected to enhance processing efficiency, reduce fraud risks, and improve interoperability with EU border management and biometric databases. The reform aligns with broader efforts to modernize European migration management tools.

Mobility facilitation and security safeguards

While the strategy facilitates access for reliable travelers, visa policy remains closely linked to migration management and foreign policy objectives. Future facilitation measures will consider cooperation with third countries on issues such as readmission and irregular migration control.

The Commission has also indicated plans to reassess visa-free regimes and to establish Legal Gateway Offices to support employers and skilled non-EU nationals navigating immigration procedures. These measures align with the EU’s wider migration and talent attraction agenda.

Implications for tourism and business

For tourists, longer-term multiple-entry visas would simplify travel planning and reduce the need for frequent renewals. Business professionals could benefit from more predictable mobility arrangements, easing cross-border operations, conferences, and investment activities.

Implementation timelines will depend on legislative approval and technical factors, including biometric data storage policies within EU systems.

What comes next

The reform remains in an early legislative phase. While elements of digitalization are expected to roll out during 2026, changes to visa validity periods may require further regulatory alignment.

As experts at International Investment report, extending multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond five years could significantly enhance Europe’s competitiveness in tourism and business mobility, provided that digital security systems and migration safeguards evolve in parallel with access facilitation.