
At a Glance
The Council of the European Union has formally adopted amendments to the Schengen Visa Code. The amendments are expected to improve procedures for travellers to the Schengen Area in 2020.
The situation
On June 6, 2019, the Council of the European Union formally adopted the proposed amendments to the Schengen Visa Code. The amendments are expected to improve procedures for travellers to the Schengen Area.
A closer look
The new rules include in particular:
- More flexible procedures for legal travellers.
- Travellers will be able to submit their applications up to six months in advance of their planned trip (instead of the current three months), and no later than 15 days before the trip;
- Where available, travellers will be able to complete and sign their visa application form electronically; and
- Frequent travellers with a positive visa history can receive a multiple-entry visa valid for a period from one year up to five years.
- Increased visa fee. The fee for a short-stay visa will increase from EUR 60 to EUR 80 for adults; and from EUR 35 to EUR 40 for 6-12-year olds. These fee amounts will be re-assessed every three years.
- Improved cooperation on readmission of irregular migrants. A new mechanism will be introduced under which the conditions for processing visa applications can be adapted depending on the third countries’ cooperation on readmission of irregular migrants. If required, the European Union can adopt a more restrictive or generous implementation of certain provisions of the Code, including the maximum processing time of applications, the visa fee amounts and length of the validity of the visas issued on a country-by-country basis.
Looking ahead
The new rules will enter into force six months after the publication date of the revised Visa Code in the Official Journal of the European Union. Therefore, no changes are expected before 2020. Fragomen will report on the progress of the implementation.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.