The first-ever EU Visa Strategy has been adopted by the European Commission, outlining a long-term plan for modernizing the visa policy, enhancing security, and making the European Union more competitive in the global arena. As per the press release, dated January 29, 2026, the strategy has been adopted to address heightened global mobility, instability in some regions, and growing geopolitical pressures worldwide. It has further aimed at making the region safer, more prosperous, more globally prominent, and more efficient in managing travel to the union. For more clarity, check this official page. Alongside the strategy, the Commission has also adopted a recommendation on attracting talent for innovation, focused on making the EU more appealing to highly skilled professionals, students, researchers and start-up founders.
Three pillars of the new Visa Strategy
Strengthening EU security
Security forms the first pillar of the new framework. The commission proposes several measures to reinforce the EU’s visa system as a frontline security tool. Among them is a modernised system for granting visa-free status to partner countries, with a new assessment framework expected in 2026. The existing visa-free mode stands to face a reformed Visa Suspension Mechanism to monitor its possible abuse.The strategy also foresees stronger visa leverage tools. Through a planned revision of the Visa Code in 2026, the EU could apply targeted visa measures in cases of no-cooperation on return and readmission of irregular migrants. Additional ad hoc measures may also be introduced to incentivise cooperation on security and migration management. The Commission has further indicated that restrictive visa measures could be considered in response to hostile actions by third countries that undermine EU security. To combat fraud, new harmonised definitions and sanctions related to travel document fraud are also planned at EU level.Read more: Guess the place: There are no traffic lights in this capital city
Boosting prosperity and competitiveness
The Schengen area remains one of the world’s most visited regions, and travel plays a key role in Europe’s economy. The strategy introduces measures intended to make legitimate travel smoother while supporting economic growth. A major shift will be the expansion of digital procedures. The EU’s European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to be operational from late 2026, will automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers. At the same time, visa-required applicants will be able to complete the entire application process online under new digital visa procedures. The strategy also proposes longer-validity multiple-entry visas for trusted travellers and the creation of a common list of verified companies to streamline processes for business visitors. In addition, the commission plans to explore amendments to EU rules affecting students, researchers and highly skilled workers, as well as a potential legal framework tailored to start-up founders and innovative entrepreneurs. European Legal Gateway Offices may offer assistance to non-EU individuals and employers in the process of applying for visas. Additional funds will be available for visa applications from highly qualified individuals.Read more: Hampi Utsav 2026: What can visitors expect at the grand celebration in the UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Modern visa tools and interoperable systems
With millions entering the Schengen area annually on short-stay visas or through visa-free regimes, efficient border management is a priority. The EU is rolling out advanced digital tools to modernise border and visa systems. By 2028, EU IT systems are expected to become interoperable, enabling authorities to query multiple databases simultaneously through a single search. This is intended to enhance information-sharing and reduce the risk of visa abuse while facilitating legitimate travel.
Attracting global talent
Alongside the Visa Strategy, the Commission’s Recommendation on attracting talent outlines steps for member states to simplify and speed up long-stay visa and residence permit procedures.Proposed improvements include more digitised application processes, reduced documentation requirements, shorter processing times and smoother transitions from study or research to employment or entrepreneurship within the EU. The Recommendation also encourages improved intra-EU mobility and stronger coordination between national authorities, universities and research institutions. It is worth mentioning that these measures fit into a wider European policy, as is seen in the “Choose Europe” initiative, together with the creation of a Union of Skills, as well as the strategy of the European Union for Startup and Scaleup, with a view to increasing Europe’s competitiveness.
