Last updated: 12 October 2026
Europe’s travel rulebook is heading for its biggest rewrite in years. In a report released on 9 October 2026, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) urged Europe to speed up a digital Schengen visa, make multiple-entry visas easier to get, and fix slow border crossings. Separately, the European Commission is preparing an overhaul of short-stay Schengen visa rules, with a legislative proposal expected in the first quarter of 2027. Here is what is confirmed, what is still only a proposal, and what you should do about your Europe trip right now.
WTTC’s call: digital Schengen visa and easier multi-entry
With the Entry/Exit System (EES) now fully operational and ETIAS still in development, the WTTC argues simpler procedures are essential to keeping Europe competitive. Three demands stand out:
- A digital Schengen visa — moving applications online instead of the current paper-heavy, in-person appointment system.
- More accessible multiple-entry visas — so repeat travellers do not rebuild their file from scratch every year.
- Better border crossings — WTTC-commissioned analysis warns persistent three-hour-plus Schengen border queues could put up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism spending at risk, hitting travellers from the UK, US, Canada and Australia hardest.
France is among the countries backing this direction, alongside Spain and others with a clear tourism interest in easier access. For Indians, a digital process and fairer multi-entry rules would directly ease the two biggest pain points of Europe travel: appointment scarcity and repeat paperwork.
What the EU Commission is actually planning
Separately from the WTTC’s advocacy, the European Commission is preparing a genuine overhaul of short-stay Schengen visa rules. Options under consideration include additional harmonized fees, streamlined procedures for certain business travellers, and new mechanisms allowing the EU to restrict visa issuance in specific circumstances. A formal proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
This is a real policy process — but it is not law yet. Nothing changes for applicants today. The standard adult Schengen visa fee remains €90, normal processing takes 15 days and can extend to 45 days, and service-centre charges may apply. Ignore anyone claiming the “new” system is already live.
Where European borders stand right now
Here is the verified picture as of mid-October 2026:
- EES is fully operational. The Entry/Exit System digitally records non-EU visitors’ entry and exit (passport data, facial image, fingerprints) across the 29 European countries using it, reaching full operation on 10 April 2026. It replaces passport stamps for covered travellers.
- ETIAS is NOT operating. The pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is still in development, possibly pushed to 2027. As of 10–11 October 2026, EU notices confirm applications are not being collected — do not pay any unofficial website for an “ETIAS application”.
- Temporary internal checks continue in parts of Europe. Italy’s controls on connections with Spain run through 16 October 2026, and France’s notified internal controls run through 31 October 2026. These are temporary document checks, not new visa requirements — carry your passport, visa and residence documents as usual.
- Document rules can change fast. Benelux and Sweden tightened recognition of Russian non-biometric passports from 1 October 2026 — a reminder to always check your specific situation on the destination’s official portal (for the Netherlands, NetherlandsWorldwide).
What Indian travellers should do this month
- Apply under current rules — do not wait for the overhaul. The 2027 proposal will not help a trip planned for the coming months. Book appointments early; slots fill fast.
- Apply to the right country. Apply where you will spend the most time; if stays are equal, use the first country you enter. Getting this wrong is a common refusal trigger.
- Use the EU short-stay calculator. Check your remaining 90/180-day allowance before adding another Europe trip — overstaying risks future refusals.
- Budget €90 — and ignore “discount visa” agents. The standard adult fee is fixed; anyone promising a visa far below official costs is a fraud risk.
- Build a strong file for multi-entry. Travel history, stable finances and a clear itinerary remain the best arguments for a longer-validity visa today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the digital Schengen visa available now?
No. It is what the WTTC is urging Europe to introduce faster — advocacy, not a live system. Applications still go through the current process via the destination country’s visa centre (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS or GVCworld, depending on the country).
What will the EU’s 2027 proposal change?
We will know when it is published in the first quarter of 2027. Discussed options include harmonized fees, simpler procedures for some business travellers, and mechanisms to restrict issuance in specific circumstances. Nothing is decided yet.
Do I need ETIAS for my Europe trip this year?
No. As of mid-October 2026, ETIAS is not operational and is not collecting applications. Do not pay any unofficial site for one.
Are Spain and Italy closed to tourists because of border checks?
No. Both remain open. The temporary checks are document controls, not closures — carry valid travel documents and travel normally.
Sources
- VisasNews — “Europe Visa and Travel News” (updated 9 October 2026; WTTC report and EU Commission overhaul) — https://visasnews.com/en/europe-news/
- Travel And Tour World — “France Stands with Spain and Others as WTTC Urges Easier Visas, Biometric Borders and New Tourism Markets” (11 October 2026) — https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/4l3d4h73qrg2/
- Travel And Tour World — “Spain and Italy Reinstate Schengen Border Checks as Travellers Face New Document Controls in October 2026” (5 October 2026) — https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/gk93e8z2ny1p/
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