The European Union will be able to temporarily or permanently suspend visa-free travel for citizens of 61 countries, including the Republic of Moldova, in cases of security risks or human rights violations. The European Parliament adopted the measure on October 7, 2025, amending the existing visa suspension mechanism.
Under the new rules, the European Commission may reintroduce visa requirements if it detects hybrid threats — such as the instrumentalization of migrants, “golden passport” programs, non-alignment with EU visa policy, or violations of the UN Charter, human rights, or international law.
The reform expands existing criteria, which already allowed suspensions due to rising crime rates, increased asylum rejections, or overstays by citizens of a particular country. The new provisions also permit suspending visa-free travel for foreign officials involved in serious abuses.
A 30% increase in illegal stays or serious crimes, or a 20% rise in rejected asylum applications, will serve as thresholds for triggering the mechanism, although exceptions may apply.
Moldova, whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to the EU with biometric passports, remains part of the system. Holders of non-biometric passports must still obtain visas.
The legislation, adopted with 518 votes in favor, 96 against, and 24 abstentions, will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal. The European Commission may launch a suspension procedure on its own initiative or at the request of a member state, based on data from EU institutions.
So far, the EU has revoked visa-free status only once — for Vanuatu. Analysts note that the reform comes amid growing concern over Georgia’s recent political drift away from the EU.