The Council of the European Union adopted five sets of conclusions on October 19, 2026, paving the way for a potential Schengen visa waiver for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Any move toward visa-free travel, however, remains subject to several conditions.
In a report released on October 9, 2026, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calls on Europe to speed up the introduction of digital Schengen visas, make multiple-entry visas more accessible, and improve border crossings. With the Entry/Exit System (EES) now fully operational and ETIAS still in development, the organization argues that simpler travel procedures will be essential to keeping Europe competitive as a tourist destination.
The European Commission is preparing an overhaul of the rules governing short-stay Schengen visas. Options under consideration include additional harmonized fees, streamlined procedures for certain business travelers, and new mechanisms allowing the European Union to restrict visa issuance in specific circumstances. A legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The European Commission has issued opinions on internal border controls reintroduced by nine Schengen countries, including France, Germany and Italy. Brussels acknowledges security and migration concerns, but recommends gradually lifting these measures in favor of alternative tools.
Short-stay Schengen visa applications rose slightly in 2025. Consulates across the Schengen area received nearly 12 million applications, a figure that remains well below pre-pandemic levels.
Thai nationals residing in Thailand will now be able to obtain longer-validity multiple-entry Schengen visas more easily. The new system, however, does not amount to a visa exemption.
The 2026 State of Schengen report confirms the growing role of new digital tools at Europe’s borders. Following the full rollout of EES in April, the European Union is now preparing for the launch of ETIAS, expected in the final quarter of 2026.
As the Schengen Area marks its 40th anniversary, the European Commission has unveiled a bold roadmap to modernize border management. With a focus on digitizing visas, rolling out the EES and ETIAS systems, and strengthening cybersecurity, the EU is shaping a more seamless, secure, and digitally-driven Schengen zone.
Malta faces the risk of forced exclusion from the Schengen Area due to delays in implementing the new EES passport control system. In a statement released on Wednesday, Maltese MEP Peter Agius indicated that European Commission representatives confirmed to him in an informal meeting that Malta is at “real risk”
