• February 7, 2026

EU launches first Visa Strategy to simplify travel and attract global talent

PARIS Feb 7: The European Commission adopted its first-ever EU Visa Strategy, introducing a more strategic approach to visa policy designed to respond to rising global mobility, regional instability and increasing competition for talent.

The strategy released on 29th January 2026 sets out a framework to strengthen the security of the Schengen area, support economic growth and competitiveness, and advance the EU’s strategic interests, values and global standing.

A key objective is to make mobility easier and more predictable for students, researchers and higher education institutions, including those involved in Erasmus+ programmes. By promoting a more talent-oriented visa system, the Commission aims to support international academic exchange, teaching, research cooperation and capacity building across Europe and partner countries.

Alongside the strategy, the Commission issued a recommendation focused on making the EU more attractive to skilled professionals, students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

Stronger security for the Schengen area

One pillar of the strategy focuses on reinforcing Schengen security. Measures include modernising the system for granting visa-free access, closer monitoring of existing visa-free regimes, stronger use of visa leverage, possible targeted restrictive measures, and enhanced travel document security. According to the Commission, these steps will improve oversight while reducing security risks.

Easier travel for tourists and business visitors

Another pillar aims to boost competitiveness and facilitate travel. The strategy proposes expanded digital procedures for both visa-free and visa-required travellers. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to partially automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers from the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Commission also plans to encourage the wider use of long-validity multiple-entry visas for trusted travellers, making travel more convenient and predictable for tourists and business visitors.

Attracting skilled non-EU workers

The third pillar focuses on attracting non-EU talent. The Commission plans to provide additional support to non-EU nationals and employers through European Legal Gateway Offices to help address visa challenges. Additional EU funding is also foreseen to improve visa processing for highly skilled workers.

The accompanying recommendation on talent for innovation calls on member states to simplify and accelerate long-stay visa and residence permit procedures through greater digitalisation, reduced documentation requirements and shorter processing times. It also encourages smoother transitions from study or research to work or entrepreneurship, improved mobility within the EU, and stronger coordination between national authorities, universities and research organisations.

Together, the Visa Strategy and the recommendation aim to make the EU more accessible to global talent while ensuring secure and well-managed borders.