On 9 January 2025, it was announced that France would begin introducing reforms to the Schengen visa scheme in 2025. These reforms could potentially tighten rules on who is eligible to enter France and encourage talent that could be an asset to come to the country.
The Schengen area currently covers almost the entirety of the European Union (excluding Ireland and Cyprus), allowing eligible citizens to travel between countries in the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days. The policy was introduced to allow easy short-term travel for EU citizens for purposes of tourism and business. Non-EU citizens would need to apply for the Schengen visa to travel to France and other EU countries within the Schengen zone.
While the Schengen visa policy aims to boost the EU economy through easier travel for tourism and business, it has also been criticized for enabling mass migration and relaxing border control, potentially aiding individuals who may pose a danger to travel freely across the EU.
France’s proposed reforms to the Schengen policy are yet to be announced officially. However, some of the changes are expected to include:
- Introducing stricter controls on who is approved for the Schengen visa.
- Expanding the use of the Schengen Information System to review applicants.
- Extending cooperation with other EU member states to share data on visa applicants – and potentially imposing stricter rules on states that do not cooperate.
- Encouraging foreigners who may provide economic, academic, or cultural advantages to France to enter the country through so-called ‘talent visas.’
The Schengen visa reforms are expected to be introduced gradually over 2025 as the visa application process is digitized. This will simplify the visa application process and hopefully reduce processing times for applicants.
The announcement of these reforms follows news of broader changes to France’s foreign policy.
Earlier in the week, on 6 January 2025, President Emmanuel Macron, President of France, gave a speech on the challenges and priorities of France’s foreign policy going forward. He stated that “France must remain attractive, fostering talent and selective immigration, but with an uncompromising commitment to cooperation from partner nations.”
He continued to emphasize that “it is common sense that countries refusing to issue consular passes cannot expect visa leniency. This is about fairness and ensuring effective migration policy.”
Macron also acknowledged the controversy and unpopularity surrounding the Schengen visa scheme in France, stating that “we want to integrate better, to welcome better, but the people demand to regain control.”