The European Commission has floated a draft mobility package that would allow Member States—France included—to issue Schengen visas valid for up to five years to travellers who clear an enhanced due-diligence screening. A leaked briefing obtained by Moroccan news site *Hespress* reveals that the plan, unveiled on 21 February 2026, couples longer validity with tighter digital controls such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS risk profiling. Under the proposal, applicants with a clean immigration and security record, proof of stable income and at least two previously used Schengen visas could qualify for a five-year, multi-entry sticker. Visa holders would still be bound by the 90/180-day stay rule, but extended validity would slash repeat paperwork for frequent flyers and multinational staff rotating through European offices. For France the measure could dovetail with the country’s own push to digitise visa issuance and cut queues at consulates in fast-growing markets like India and China. French trade groups, particularly in luxury retail and aerospace, have lobbied for easier access for vetted clients and partners, arguing that red-tape costs millions in lost deals.
![EU Eyes 5-Year Multi-Entry Schengen Visas for ‘Trusted Travellers’]()
For those wondering how to navigate the forthcoming rules, VisaHQ can streamline the entire Schengen application process—from pre-screening documents to booking biometric appointments—and already offers dedicated support for visas to France at https://www.visahq.com/france/
The long-visa scheme would also align France with existing reciprocity agreements that already grant five-year C-visas to citizens of the United States and Japan. Critics, however, warn of “visa shopping.” They fear applicants denied in one Schengen post might seek laxer standards elsewhere, secure a five-year sticker and circulate freely—including in France. Brussels says that risk will be mitigated by mandatory biometric verification at all external borders once EES goes live in October 2026. Diplomats expect formal legislative text before the summer. If adopted, Member States could begin issuing the new long-term visas from early 2027, giving French companies an incentive to identify staff who meet ‘trusted traveller’ criteria and start building a positive travel history now.
For those wondering how to navigate the forthcoming rules, VisaHQ can streamline the entire Schengen application process—from pre-screening documents to booking biometric appointments—and already offers dedicated support for visas to France at https://www.visahq.com/france/
The long-visa scheme would also align France with existing reciprocity agreements that already grant five-year C-visas to citizens of the United States and Japan. Critics, however, warn of “visa shopping.” They fear applicants denied in one Schengen post might seek laxer standards elsewhere, secure a five-year sticker and circulate freely—including in France. Brussels says that risk will be mitigated by mandatory biometric verification at all external borders once EES goes live in October 2026. Diplomats expect formal legislative text before the summer. If adopted, Member States could begin issuing the new long-term visas from early 2027, giving French companies an incentive to identify staff who meet ‘trusted traveller’ criteria and start building a positive travel history now.
