The European Commission is planning a review of the EU's common rules for short-stay visas, which could affect Moroccan travelers. The review includes a public consultation that opened on September 8 and will run until October 6, ahead of a possible legislative proposal in the first quarter of 2027. Morocco was among the top five countries with the most Schengen visa applications in 2025, with around 620,000 applications submitted.
The current Schengen visa fee for adults is €90, but the Commission is exploring the feasibility of introducing a harmonized additional charge at EU level on top of the existing visa fee. The revenue from this charge could be used to support the development of the common EU visa policy. However, the Commission has not set an amount or a possible implementation date for the additional charge.
The proposed changes aim to make travel easier for reliable applicants and trusted business travelers. One option being considered is the creation of common lists of verified companies in each third country or jurisdiction. Employees of these companies could receive faster processing, priority appointments, or fewer supporting documents if the EU adopts the system.
The review will also examine how EU countries adapt visa rules locally, including requirements for supporting documents and the issuing of multiple-entry visas. The Commission notes that these practices currently vary and do not always reflect common EU priorities. The goal is to reduce differences between consulates and give companies operating across Europe more predictable procedures.
The Commission wants stronger tools to respond when non-EU countries do not cooperate sufficiently on return and readmission. This could include more flexible and faster visa restrictions in serious cases. The proposal will also consider targeted visa restrictions in response to serious political or security situations, including hostile actions, hybrid threats, and information manipulation.
The Commission emphasizes that any future measures affecting a specific country or category of traveler would undergo a separate assessment. The review remains at the consultation stage, and the final content and timing of the planned legislation can still change. No new restrictions targeting Moroccan nationals have been adopted.
The proposed changes will include safeguards for human rights defenders, dissidents, independent journalists, civil society members, and people facing humanitarian or exceptional circumstances. The Commission aims to ensure that any measures taken are proportionate, targeted, and reversible.
Key points
- The European Commission is considering an additional EU-wide charge on top of the current Schengen visa fee.
- The review aims to make travel easier for reliable applicants and trusted business travelers.
- The proposed changes will include safeguards for human rights defenders and people facing humanitarian or exceptional circumstances.
