The EU is reviewing visa-free travel for 61 countries in 2025. The new rules allow for the suspension of visa-free travel due to "golden passports", increased illegal migration and political threats. Find out who is at risk, what the new criteria are and how long the restrictions could last

Visa-free travel no longer seems like an inviolable right. In June 2025, the European Union agreed on new, much stricter rules that allow for the temporary or complete suspension of visa-free travel for third countries. And while no country is currently facing immediate restrictions, the new conditions pose real risks even for long-standing EU partners.

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Why did the EU revise the rules?

The new control mechanism is designed to:

1. Protect the Schengen area from abuse by visa-free countries.

2. Respond more quickly to political, security or migration threats.

3. Give EU institutions more powers to act without lengthy procedures.

By the end of 2025, after final approval and publication in the Official Journal of the EU, the new rules will enter into force.

What are the new grounds for suspending visa-free travel?

The EU has significantly expanded the list of reasons why the visa-free regime may be suspended:

1. Incompatible visa policies

If a country allows visa-free entry to citizens of states that pose a threat to the EU, this is considered a security risk.

2. Investment citizenship ("golden passports")

Citizenship granted without checks and real ties to the country is a potential vulnerability. CBI programs are now under the microscope of the European Commission.

3. Hybrid threats and political pressure

We are talking about attempts to use visa-free travel as an element of pressure - for example, an organized flow of migrants, as was the case with Belarus.

4. Deterioration of relations with the EU

Systemic violations of human rights, international law or the UN Charter may result in the temporary or complete abolition of visa-free travel.

5. Refusal to take back deportees

If a country does not take back its citizens who have been refused asylum, this is also a reason to restrict visa-free travel.

New thresholds

The EU has also introduced clear quantitative indicators that indicate problems:

1. An increase of 30% or more in cases of: refusals of entry, violation of stay periods, asylum applications, committed offenses.

2. If less than 20% of asylum applications from a certain country are approved, this is also a signal.

Which countries are at risk?

All 61 countries that enjoy visa-free travel are now under close surveillance by the EU. Particular attention is paid to countries with investment citizenship (CBI) programs, which allow you to buy a passport without actually residing there.

The highest risk is currently in:

- St. Kitts and Nevis

- Antigua and Barbuda

- Dominica

- St. Lucia

- Grenada

In 2022, there was already a precedent: the EU suspended visa-free travel from Vanuatu, where a passport could be purchased for $130,000 in just 6 weeks. Among the newly minted “citizens” were individuals who were internationally wanted.

How long will the suspension last?

- Initial restriction - up to 12 months (previously - 9).

- May be extended for another 24 months (previously - 18).

If the problems are not resolved - the EU may finally cancel the visa-free travel.

Will all citizens be affected by the restrictions?

Innovation - targeted approach: if violations are caused by government decisions, then visa-free travel can be canceled only for officials and diplomats, without affecting all citizens.

What does this mean for visa-free countries?

The new rules are a signal: visa-free travel is not a privilege, but a treaty that requires compliance with obligations. Countries must:

- have a coordinated visa policy with the EU;

- not abuse citizenship schemes;

- maintain transparent relations;

- guarantee the return of deported citizens;

- prevent hybrid threats and illegal migration.

The decision of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU has already been agreed. Official adoption and publication are expected - and then the new mechanism will enter into force by the end of 2025. The situation may change dynamically, especially if the influx of migrants increases or abuses are discovered in countries issuing "golden passports".

The new EU rules may also apply to your country. If you are planning to travel, study, move or obtain citizenship in Europe - consult with migration lawyers. They will help you assess the risks, properly prepare documents and protect your rights.

Ordering a consultation is easy. Leave a request, and our specialists will contact you online.

Reminder! European countries are gradually restoring border control at their internal borders, additional checks have already been introduced in 12 countries. We have already told you which countries have new rules in effect and what are the terms for additional control.

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