EU tightened regulations for suspending visa-free travel with third countries

The Council of the European Union (EU) has tightened the rules for suspending visa-free regimes with third countries.

As BAKU.WS reports, this was announced by TASS with reference to the statement of the EU Council.

"The EU Council has finally approved the update of the mechanism for suspending visa-free regimes for short-term trips of citizens of third countries to the Schengen area," the statement says.

A new reason for suspending the visa-free regime will be "non-compliance with the requirements of the EU visa policy," for example, if a third country implements citizenship-for-investment schemes. Visa-free regimes can also be suspended if the EU accuses a partner country of "human rights violations."

The criteria for suspending the visa-free regime with a third country have been tightened. Now it can be suspended if the number of annual entry violations increases immediately by 30% compared to the previous year. Previously, this figure was 50%.

If previously visa-free travel could be frozen for up to 9 months with the possibility of extending restrictions to 18 months, now the terms have been increased to 12 months with an extension of up to 24. The decision will come into force on December 7.