The Schengen visa system could undergo several changes in the coming months as the European Commission prepares to revise the rules governing short-stay visas within the Schengen Area.

On September 8, 2026, the European Commission launched a consultation aimed at preparing a revision of the European Visa Code. The consultation is expected to remain open until October 6, with a possible legislative proposal scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

The reform could be particularly relevant for Moroccan citizens, given the large number of Schengen visa applications submitted each year. Around 620,000 Schengen visa applications were submitted by Moroccan citizens in 2025.

Possible additional financial contribution

One of the proposals being considered at the European level is the introduction of a harmonized financial contribution across the European Union, which could be added to the fees currently paid when submitting a visa application.

However, the European Commission has not yet determined the amount or the conditions for applying such a potential contribution.

The current fee for a short-stay Schengen visa remains €90 for adults.

It is therefore important to distinguish between the rules currently in force and proposals that are still under consideration. Any additional fee is not currently applicable.

Possible changes to multiple-entry visas

Brussels is also considering changes to the rules governing multiple-entry Schengen visas.

These visas are particularly relevant to travelers who regularly visit countries within the Schengen Area. One of the objectives of the proposed reform is to further harmonize practices among member states and facilitate travel for people with an established travel history.

The validity period of certain visas could potentially be adjusted according to the applicant’s profile and travel history. However, the exact criteria would have to be defined in the future legislative proposal.

Possible simplified procedures for business travelers

Business travel is another area covered by the proposed reforms.

The European Commission is considering a common system for identifying verified companies. Under certain conditions, employees of these companies could benefit from simplified procedures when applying for visas.

Possible measures include:

• Priority appointments.

• Faster processing of applications.

• Fewer supporting documents in certain cases.

• Greater harmonization of procedures between consulates.

The aim would be to make visa procedures more predictable for professionals who regularly travel to the Schengen Area.

Visa policy and migration cooperation

The proposed reform is not limited to travelers.

The European Commission also wants to strengthen the role of visa policy in its relations with countries outside the European Union.

Current European rules already allow the EU to adopt certain measures when a country is considered insufficiently cooperative regarding the readmission of its nationals who are staying irregularly in Europe.

Brussels is also considering factors such as cooperation on border management, the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling, as well as certain security considerations.

No changes for Moroccan applicants for now

For Moroccan citizens currently preparing to apply for a Schengen visa, the existing procedures remain unchanged.

The reform is still at the consultation stage. It is expected to be followed by the preparation of a legislative proposal, potentially in the first quarter of 2027. The proposal would then have to go through the European legislative process before any new rules could enter into force.

Applicants should therefore continue to follow the current requirements and procedures set by the relevant consulate or visa application center.

A reform that could affect hundreds of thousands of Moroccans

With around 620,000 applications recorded in 2025, Morocco is among the countries that could be significantly affected by future developments in the Schengen visa system.

For frequent travelers, professionals and people making several trips to the Schengen Area, the proposed changes could eventually modify some aspects of the application process.

However, several steps remain before any changes can take effect. The final content of the reform, the measures ultimately adopted and the implementation timetable will depend on the European legislative process.

For now, therefore, these are not new rules already applicable to Moroccan citizens, but rather a European reform that is still being prepared and discussed.