Digital Schengen visa for Malta-bound trips still years off, around 2030

Europe's travel industry is asking the European Union (EU) to speed up its digital Schengen visa, expand the use of multiple-entry visas and create a trusted traveller scheme. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) set out the requests in a report presented at its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, on 9 October 2026.

Key facts

• Report presented on 9 October 2026 at WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta
• Digital Schengen visa platform expected around 2030, according to the European Commission's reference timeline
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launch expected in early 2027 but not officially confirmed; fee of €20
• Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 across 29 participating European countries
• Schengen states issued 5.3 million multiple-entry visas in 2025, 40% fewer than in 2019

What is WTTC asking for?

The council's report, Travel & Tourism in Europe: A Deep Dive Into Growth, Outlook and Policy, lists eight priorities for governments, with border measures first. WTTC wants a faster rollout of the digital Schengen visa, wider use of multiple-entry visas, an EU-wide trusted traveller scheme and a workable framework for biometrics at EU airports.

The proposed trusted traveller programme would let pre-screened travellers clear border controls faster using biometrics, potentially without stopping at a traditional checkpoint. WTTC also wants reciprocal recognition with schemes such as Global Entry in the United States (US), and consistent European rules on voluntary biometric use at airports, particularly on compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The report additionally calls for more predictable visa procedures for international students, interns and seasonal workers.

What would the digital Schengen visa change?

Under the digital system, travellers would apply, upload documents and pay fees on one centralised platform, then receive a digital visa instead of a sticker in their passport. EU legislation already provides for the system.

According to the European Commission's reference timeline, the platform should arrive around 2030, depending on technical progress. No earlier date has been announced.

When do ETIAS and the EES start?

The report refers to an expected ETIAS launch in early 2027, but says that date is not officially confirmed and that the EU will announce the start date several months in advance. ETIAS will carry a €20 fee.

The EES has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 across 29 participating European countries. WTTC acknowledges its role in border security but points to long lines, delays and missed connections during the rollout, and argues that biometric data collection must go hand in hand with smooth border crossings.

Why is the industry pushing for this?

Schengen states issued 5.3 million multiple-entry visas in 2025, 40% fewer than in 2019, and their share of all visas issued fell from 59% to 51.7%. Overall Schengen visa issuance remains below pre-pandemic levels. WTTC argues that multiple-entry visas encourage repeat visits and help destinations build lasting ties with travellers.

Europe recorded 757.3 million international overnight arrivals in 2025, 49.1% of the global total. The council also warns that air passenger taxes, tourist levies, accommodation charges and travel authorisations, including the United Kingdom's (UK) electronic travel authorisation (ETA) and ETIAS, could together dent the appeal of some destinations.

What this means for travellers

None of these changes is in force: the visa, border and cost proposals remain industry ideas, and the EU has not formally adopted them. Travellers planning Schengen trips should continue to follow the rules that apply now, and watch for an official ETIAS start date, which the EU says it will announce several months in advance.

The next markers are the EU's first dedicated tourism strategy, ongoing negotiations on the EU's 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and an official ETIAS launch date. WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara described the moment as "a rare opportunity to treat Travel & Tourism as the strategic sector it is".