Brussels, October 4, 2025 — Travellers can now enjoy unprecedented access across Europe as the five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa officially covers all 29 Schengen member states, including the most recent additions, Bulgaria, Romania, and Switzerland.
The visa allows holders to travel freely within the Schengen Area multiple times over a five-year period, provided no individual stay exceeds 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. This long-term visa is designed for frequent travellers, business professionals, and individuals with a proven history of compliance with immigration regulations.
Authorities say the visa offers significant benefits, including reduced paperwork, faster processing times, and fewer interview requirements for eligible applicants. It eliminates the need to apply for a new visa for every trip, making it a particularly attractive option for those with regular business or family commitments in the Schengen Zone.
However, embassies and consulates continue to exercise full discretion over approvals. According to EU visa guidelines, strong candidates are typically those who have previously held a multiple-entry Schengen visa for at least two consecutive years within the past three years, travel to the region at least twice annually, and have a clean immigration record.
Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive cover letter outlining their need for long-term travel, proof of financial stability, and valid long-term travel insurance that complies with Schengen regulations.
The full list of 29 Schengen member countries includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
With Switzerland included in the latest alignment of visa rules, the Schengen Area continues to present a unified front in promoting secure, yet accessible, travel across much of continental Europe.