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10 January, 2025
 
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2024 EU shake-up includes higher Schengen visa fees, stricter border checks, and key new citizenship rules

Explore the key policy shifts in the EU

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In 2024, the European Union implemented several significant changes impacting the Schengen Area and EU citizenship rules. Among the key developments were the introduction and extension of internal border controls, an increase in Schengen visa fees, delayed implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), and new citizenship regulations in various member states.

Internal border controls
Several EU countries reinstated or extended border controls to enhance national security and manage irregular migration. Germany imposed land border checks with all neighboring Schengen states, effective until March 2025, with possible extensions. Similar measures were introduced by the Netherlands, France, and other nations, including Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. In contrast, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden phased out their temporary border controls.

Schengen visa fee increase
On June 11, 2024, the EU raised Schengen visa fees by 12.5%, with adult applicants now paying €90, and children €45. Higher fees were imposed on nationals from countries unwilling to cooperate on irregular migration readmissions. Exemptions and reduced fees for visa facilitation agreement countries remained unchanged.

Postponed entry/exit system (EES)
Originally slated for November 2024, the launch of the EES—a system to modernize external border controls by replacing manual passport stamping with automated biometric registration—was delayed to 2025. The phased rollout aims to ensure member states’ readiness and system reliability.

Citizenship law updates
Germany’s new citizenship law, effective June 27, 2024, simplified the path to citizenship by reducing the residency requirement from eight to five years and allowing dual nationality. Finland, conversely, tightened requirements by increasing the minimum residency period to eight years. Hungary revived its Golden Visa Program with investment options starting at €250,000, while Greece raised investment thresholds for its Golden Visa scheme in certain regions.

Other notable changes
For the first time, the EU revoked visa-free travel privileges for a country—Vanuatu—due to concerns over its investor citizenship program. Meanwhile, Europe maintained its status as a top travel destination, driven by its cultural and historical appeal. Work migration remained robust in response to labor shortages, with countries like Sweden, Romania, and Ireland issuing large numbers of work permits.

These developments highlight the EU’s evolving approach to border security, migration, and integration policies, reflecting both domestic priorities and international challenges.

With information from Schengen News.

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Cyprus  |  EU  |  Schengen

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