Schengen Visa: EU Plans Comprehensive Reform of the Rules and New Fees

The European Commission is currently preparing a comprehensive revision of the Visa Code—the set of rules governing the application for and issuance of Schengen visas for short-term stays. This effort is based on a call for comments published on September 8, 2026, in which the Commission outlines several possible directions for reform. The initiative aims to translate measures into concrete legislation that were already announced in January as part of the EU’s first comprehensive visa strategy. For travelers and visa applicants, this means that key conditions for applying for a Schengen visa could change in the coming months and years.

It is important to note, however, that the project is still in a very early, preparatory phase. The Commission itself points out that both the policy options currently under discussion and the planned timeline are subject to change before a final legislative proposal is submitted. A concrete legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Until then, many details remain unclear, but the general direction of the discussions already indicates the areas where changes are likely.

Additional Fees for Schengen Visas Possible

One of the most tangible potential changes concerns the cost of applying for a visa. The Commission is examining whether additional, EU-wide harmonized fees could be introduced that go beyond the current standard fee. For applicants, this would mean that the total cost of a Schengen visa could rise in the future—depending on which specific surcharges are ultimately approved. Since this is intended to be a harmonization at the EU level, any new fees would likely apply uniformly across all Schengen member states.

Simplified Procedures for Certain Business Travelers

In addition to potential additional costs, the reform also provides for simplifications. The Commission is considering simplified procedures for certain categories of business travelers, such as faster processing channels or reduced documentation requirements. The apparent goal is to specifically promote economically significant travel within the EU visa strategy, while at the same time introducing stricter control mechanisms in other areas. Anyone who travels regularly to the Schengen Area on business should keep an eye on this development, as it could result in practical benefits for future visa applications.

New Mechanisms to Restrict Visa Issuance

Another key component of the planned reform is new mechanisms designed to enable the European Union to restrict the issuance of visas under certain circumstances. Details regarding the specific conditions under which such restrictions would apply are not yet known. In principle, however, this indicates that the EU increasingly intends to use its visa policy as a tool to respond to certain developments in migration or security policy.

For travelers planning a trip to the Schengen Area: For now, nothing is changing in the existing application process. It will likely be some time before new rules actually take effect, as a legislative proposal must first be drafted and then go through the EU’s regular legislative process. Anyone who already needs a Schengen visa can continue to rely on the current regulations. Through our visa application service, you can conveniently and reliably meet the currently valid requirements without having to wade through complex forms and documentation yourself.

In light of the announced reform, frequent travelers and business travelers should closely monitor developments. As soon as specific details regarding new fees, simplified procedures, or restrictions become available, we will inform our customers accordingly and adapt our application process to the new requirements. Anyone looking for an overview of the various types of visas available can already find all relevant information on eligibility requirements and processing times there today.