EU visa-free travel suspension enters a new phase

On October 7, 2025, the European Parliament approved several reforms introduced by the European Union, including the EU visa-free travel suspension for certain countries that do not comply with the new regulations.

The vote was held in Strasbourg, with 518 votes in favor, 96 against, and 24 abstentions. Among the German members, 61 voted in favor, 25 voted against, and one abstained.

This reform, known as the visa suspension mechanism, provides for the temporary or long-term suspension of visa-free travel to certain countries for reasons related to human rights violations, disregard for international court rulings, or investment immigration programs.

Although the regulation confirming the possibility of suspending visa-free travel has been issued, it is not yet known when it will be implemented or which countries will be affected, as the EU Council has not yet approved the draft decision.

Reports indicate that the EU is considering increasing the number of countries to which visa-free travel will be suspended, and possibly accelerating the implementation process, taking into account humanitarian circumstances and security policies.

Who can be affected by the EU visa-free travel suspension?

The EU visa-free travel suspension has been formally approved without specifying the countries or the date of its implementation. However, there are numerous indications that visa exemptions will be suspended for some countries that do not adhere to the principles set by the EU.

Among the first targeted countries is Israel, due to the war crimes and human rights violations it committed during its war on Gaza. This suspension may also apply to countries offering second citizenship programs if they are found to be non-compliant with international citizenship standards. Georgia, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Serbia may also be affected.

The promising aspect is that the EU visa-free travel suspension will not apply to all categories in specific nationality, but may apply to specific categories. For example, government representatives and businesspeople linked to a specific violation may be barred, but it will not apply to all civilians.

Furthermore, implementing the suspension takes time. The decision still has to go through several levels of approval and may eventually be revoked. Furthermore, these suspensions may be time-limited, rather than permanent or long-term.

Countries are currently access Europe without a visa

The European Union currently allows visa-free entry to 63 countries around the world under special agreements, including two administrative regions: Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Taiwan.

Citizens of these 63 regions can enter Europe for up to three months every six months, renewable, for tourism, visiting relatives, or attending business meetings. However, this agreement does not cover employment or obtaining European permanent residency.

Countries that can enter the Schengen Area without a visa are divided into a group located in Europe and outside the European Union, as well as several countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The most famous countries that can enter Europe without a visa are the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and countries that grant Caribbean nationality.

Future Reasons for the EU visa-free travel suspension

✓ When irregular migration is used as a means of political pressure, as was the case previously between Belarus and Poland.

✓ Selecting suspected nationals through citizenship by investment programs.

✓ Committing acts of repression or human rights violations, for example, during times of war or political repression.

✓ Ignoring international regulations, such as those issued by the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice.

✓ Violating a fundamental principle of the UN Charter, such as annexation of territory.

Truth about the EU visa-free travel suspension to Caribbean

The EU can only suspend visa-free travel to Caribbean countries in the event of a sudden increase in irregular migration or a sharp increase in applications for Caribbean programs previously rejected through the Schengen Area.

The new system gives the EU the right to review the agreements if any citizenship-granting country fails to comply with the citizenship standards set by the United States and the United Kingdom.

The recent changes made by countries offering Caribbean citizenship by investment demonstrate that they are seriously considering gaining the trust of the 150 countries they can enter visa-free, while applying international standards and maintaining the attractiveness and value of their programs.

If you are interested in learning more about citizenship through investment programs or the latest news regarding the EU visa-free travel suspension, consult one of our experts or read our articles regularly. We are a representative office and expert in the field of investment immigration.