EU Tough New Visa Rules: How Georgia, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Other Nations Risk Losing Visa-Free Access

The European Commission’s latest report under the Visa Suspension Mechanism, which monitors the EU’s visa-free arrangements with non-EU countries, brings vital insights for both travellers and the tourism industry. Covering key developments from 2024 and 2025, the report offers a comprehensive look at the progress of partner countries in meeting visa liberalisation requirements. It also highlights the ongoing challenges that continue to affect both tourism and security, shedding light on how these issues could shape the future of visa-free travel.

Visa Policy Alignment and Its Impact on Travel

Visa liberalisation plays a crucial role in easing travel and fostering international tourism. For travellers, the ability to move freely across borders without the hassle of a visa opens up a world of opportunities, whether for leisure, business, or cultural exchanges. However, this freedom can also present challenges when misused. The latest report emphasises the need for continued alignment of visa policies between EU member states and their non-EU counterparts, especially countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, which are geographically close to the Schengen area.

Countries such as Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia have made strides in aligning their visa policies with the EU’s standards, benefiting their tourism sectors. However, countries like Georgia have faced setbacks. The divergence in Georgia’s visa policy is particularly concerning for the EU, as it could pose risks for travellers, potentially leading to increased security checks or even the suspension of visa-free access for Georgian nationals. This, in turn, could disrupt tourism flows between the EU and Georgia, affecting the movement of tourists and business travellers alike.

Migration Challenges and Their Impact on Border Control

For the travel and tourism industry, the issue of illegal migration along the Western Balkans route has been a significant concern. While there has been a decrease in illegal migration in recent years, challenges remain. Smuggling networks, violence at border crossings, and tensions along borders such as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s with Croatia are ongoing issues. For tourists, these border pressures can lead to longer waiting times and increased scrutiny, which could affect the overall travel experience.

The rise in unfounded asylum applications from visa-exempt countries, such as Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova, further complicates the situation. Asylum claims impact border security and strain the systems in place for legitimate tourists. As a result, tourism-related travel could be delayed, or travellers may face additional screenings or documentation requests. This is especially concerning for countries where visa-free travel is popular among tourists, such as Latin American countries, which continue to present challenges due to high numbers of asylum seekers.

Public Order and Security: Risks to the Tourism Sector

Public security issues, such as organised crime and migrant smuggling, are significant challenges for the travel and tourism sectors. The EU’s cooperation with Europol and Eurojust has led to positive results in tackling organised crime in the Western Balkans. However, emerging risks, including firearms trafficking in Moldova and the influence of Russia in Georgia, could affect the safety of travellers in these regions. For tourists, the safety of their destination is paramount, and any rise in security threats can deter travel.

Moreover, the increasing vulnerabilities in document security pose another risk for tourism. The use of forged passports or identity changes to evade security checks can lead to fraudulent travel, endangering the integrity of the visa-free system. If a country experiences frequent issues with counterfeit travel documents, it could lead to stricter border controls or even visa requirements being reinstated. These factors could directly impact the ease of travel for tourists, especially if they are caught up in delays due to enhanced security measures.

Investor Citizenship Schemes: Potential Risks to the Travel Experience

Investor citizenship schemes, particularly those operating in Eastern Caribbean countries, are a concern for the EU and the tourism industry. These schemes allow individuals to bypass visa and security checks by purchasing citizenship, granting them access to visa-free travel within the Schengen area. While these schemes offer a fast-track route for some travellers, they also raise security concerns. The high volume of applicants, short processing times, and low rejection rates increase the risks of criminal activities and security breaches, which can affect the safety and reliability of the travel experience for everyone.

Georgia’s Non-Compliance and Potential Impact on Travel

One of the most pressing issues in the report is Georgia’s non-compliance with previous EU recommendations. The country has failed to address fundamental rights violations and security concerns, which could lead to severe consequences for travellers. If Georgia does not take the necessary actions to align its policies with the EU’s recommendations, the EU could suspend visa-free access for Georgian nationals. This would affect both leisure and business travellers from Georgia, who would face additional visa requirements, creating disruptions in travel plans and potentially leading to a decline in tourism.

Next Steps for the Future of Travel

The European Commission will continue to monitor the situation and issue annual reports to the European Parliament and Council. The new, more flexible Visa Suspension Mechanism, set to come into force at the end of 2025, will allow for a quicker response to challenges related to visa-free regimes. This mechanism could have significant implications for travel, making it easier to suspend visa-free access in cases of security breaches or non-compliance, but also potentially making travel more complicated for legitimate tourists.

For the tourism industry, this means that there will be a need for greater vigilance in monitoring changes to visa policies. Travel operators, businesses, and individual tourists will need to stay informed about the evolving visa landscape to avoid disruptions. The EU’s commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient visa system ensures that tourism remains safe and accessible, while addressing the risks posed by misuse of the visa-free regime.

Conclusion: Balancing Security and Travel Freedom

Visa liberalisation remains a powerful tool for promoting international tourism and cooperation. However, the EU must balance this freedom with the need for robust security measures to ensure the integrity of the Schengen area and the safety of all travellers. The challenges identified in the report, particularly with countries like Georgia, illustrate the delicate balance the EU must strike between encouraging travel and protecting its borders. For the tourism sector, staying adaptable and prepared for potential changes in visa policies will be key to navigating the evolving landscape of international travel.

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