European Commission signals longer visas and digital borders for trusted travellers.
Dubai: UAE travellers who frequently visit Europe may soon enjoy longer-valid Schengen visas and streamlined digital travel procedures, as the European Union works to modernise its visa and border systems.
New measures under the European Commission’s first-ever EU visa strategy aim to make legitimate travel “easier and more predictable” while enhancing border security. The reforms are intended to attract skilled workers, boost competitiveness, and reduce administrative hurdles for frequent, low-risk travellers.
“These new measures will make the EU more appealing to skilled workers and simplify legitimate travel, making it more predictable,” the Commission said in its latest visa strategy update. “This includes new digital procedures for both visa-free and visa-required travellers, as well as longer-validity multiple-entry visas for trusted travellers.”
Frequent fliers to benefit
At the heart of the proposed changes is the possibility of extending multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the current five-year maximum. Travellers with a strong compliance record — including repeat visitors for business or tourism — could qualify for longer-term visas, reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
For UAE residents who often travel to Europe for work, leisure, or family visits, the move could significantly cut processing times, costs, and uncertainty. The Commission said the aim is to prioritise facilitation for “bona fide” travellers with a low migration risk.
The change would also ease pressure on EU consulates by cutting down on repeat applications, while helping Europe stay competitive with countries like the US, UK, and Canada, which already offer long-term travel permits.
Digital visas, smarter borders
The visa overhaul is part of a broader five-year EU strategy on migration and asylum, which places a strong emphasis on digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Under the plan, physical visa stickers would be replaced by secure digital visas, supported by a centralised application platform. Travellers would be able to submit documents online, track applications digitally, and benefit from automated checks at border crossings.
The EU has been gradually rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which together are designed to create what the Commission calls the world’s most advanced digital border management system.
By 2028, EU visa and border IT systems are expected to be fully interoperable, allowing authorities to access multiple databases through a single search. The Commission said this would enhance security, prevent abuse, and speed up legitimate travel.
Talent, mobility, security goals
The visa strategy is part of a broader migration plan built around three objectives: preventing irregular migration, protecting people fleeing conflict, and attracting skilled workers to Europe.
To support labour mobility, the EU plans to expand Talent Partnerships with non-EU countries and simplify the recognition of foreign qualifications. New “Legal Gateway Offices” are also planned to help employers and skilled non-EU nationals navigate immigration procedures efficiently.
At the same time, the Commission said visa facilitation would continue to be tied to strong cooperation with partner countries on issues such as readmission, document security, and border management.
The proposed changes are not yet in effect and will require further legislative approval and technical development. Some elements, including digital visa systems, are being rolled out this year, while decisions on longer visa validity will depend on factors such as biometric data retention rules.
