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The EU has approved new rules for suspending visa-free travel: now it is possible to disable visa freedom even for certain groups of citizens

In June 2025, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament agreed on a new mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for countries whose citizens are entitled to short-term trips to the EU without a visa. These changes were a response to increasing migration flows, security issues, and political conflicts on Europe’s borders.

What has changed?

Under the new rules, decisions to suspend visa-free travel can now be made more quickly and for longer periods. The EU has gained more flexible tools to respond.

Reasons for suspending visa-free travel:

A sharp increase in the number of illegal migrants, refusals of entry, and asylum seekers. If the refusal rate exceeds 30%, this may already be grounds for suspension.

⚖️ Deterioration of relations with the EU, including human rights violations, threats to democracy, and pressure on European structures.

Sale of “golden passports” or investment citizenship schemes.

Weak protection of travel documents, distrust of the authenticity of passports.

Hybrid threats: hostile disinformation, interference in EU internal affairs, and more.

‍ Who could be affected?

A new development in 2025 is that the EU can now suspend visa-free travel not completely, but only for certain categories of citizens.
Thus, in January 2025, visa-free travel was temporarily suspended for Georgian officials and diplomats, while ordinary citizens continued to travel without visas.

⏳ New terms:

First suspension — up to 12 months

Possible extension — for another 24 months

After that — complete cancellation of visa-free travel is possible in exceptional cases

What about Ukraine?

At the moment, Ukraine’s visa-free travel remains in place, and there are no signs for alarm. However, the new mechanism gives the EU more power — and this needs to be taken into account in the event of political changes and migration crises.

Conclusion:
The EU is tightening its visa policy. Even countries with visa-free travel are now under scrutiny.

Plan your trips in advance and get your documents sorted out with some help to avoid rejections that could affect your country’s overall stats.

We’re always here to help you put together the right documents, get your visa, and get ready for your trip to Europe.

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