EU studies easier Schengen visas for business travellers

The European Commission is studying easier visa rules for regular business travellers who travel to the Schengen area for work, ObservAlgerie reported.

For regular business travellers, the change could bring more predictable procedures and fewer formalities. Nothing changes yet, because the measures are still ideas under review, not rules in force.

The Schengen area is a group of European countries that apply a common visa framework. However, the schemes for business travellers and trusted companies differ from one country to another.

The Commission is considering common lists of checked companies. Staff of those firms could get faster processing of their visa application, priority appointments or a lighter list of supporting documents.

The exact rules, the criteria for admitting companies and the categories of travellers concerned are still to be defined. Algérie 360 also reported the plans, saying they were still at the thinking stage.

The Commission is also studying multiple-entry visas valid for more than five years for trusted regular travellers, especially those on business trips. Each case would be assessed individually and checked for security.

A multiple-entry visa allows several trips during its validity period. It does not allow an unlimited stay, however. The general rule stays at 90 days in any 180-day period for short stays in the Schengen area.

The Commission is preparing a full revision of the visa code, the EU rulebook for visas. An indicative timetable points to a legislative proposal in the first quarter of 2027.

The text would then have to pass the European legislative process before any new measures could apply.

Until then, the usual rules apply, and a work trip does not remove the need for a full application file. Depending on the reason for the trip and the consulate's requirements, this can include a letter of invitation or mission order, proof of income and accommodation details.

Before booking a trip, travellers should check the instructions of the consulate concerned and the appointment waiting times.