Japan Joins South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and More To Face Significant Travel Changes to Europe as EU Introduces New Visa Suspension Rules: Everything You Need To Know

Published on November 29, 2025

Japan Joins South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and More To Face Significant Travel Changes to Europe as the EU introduces new visa suspension rules, triggered by migration, security, and overstay concerns. These countries, which have long enjoyed visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days, could see their ability to travel freely significantly impacted by the EU’s updated suspension mechanism.

Under the new rules, visa-free travel could be suspended for up to three years if certain conditions are met, including an increase in visa overstays, security issues, or migration-related concerns. While nations like Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are trusted partners of the EU, the introduction of these flexible suspension measures means that even countries with solid diplomatic ties may face restrictions on their travel.

In this article, we will examine how the EU’s new suspension rules could affect the visa-free status of Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, and others, shedding light on the potential implications for travelers from these countries and explaining the factors that could lead to changes in their travel privileges to Europe.

United Arab Emirates — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days). However, with the updated EU suspension mechanism, the UAE’s visa-free status could be at risk if certain conditions are met. If there is an increase in overstays, asylum applications, or any security concerns, the UAE could face restrictions. While the UAE is generally regarded as a trusted partner, the EU’s flexibility under these new rules means that their visa-free access could be suspended for up to three years if these issues arise.

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Migration concerns, security issues, visa overstay increases
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Israel — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

Israelis benefit from visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, allowing short stays of up to 90 days. However, Israel’s visa-free access could come under scrutiny due to the new EU suspension rules. An increase in overstays, security-related issues, or a rise in asylum seekers could lead to restrictions on their access. Despite Israel’s strong security cooperation with the EU, the country could face a suspension of its visa-free status for up to three years, depending on the developments in these areas.

• Country: Israel
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Visa overstay increases, security concerns, migration issues
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Japan — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

Japan’s citizens enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days). While Japan is a trusted partner, the EU’s suspension mechanism could potentially affect its visa-free status if certain issues arise. A significant rise in overstays, migration concerns, or security issues could trigger restrictions. Should such concerns materialize, Japan could face a suspension of its visa-free access for up to three years, although this would depend on the specific circumstances.

• Country: Japan
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Security issues, visa overstays, migration concerns
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

South Korea — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

South Korean citizens benefit from visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days. The EU has introduced a suspension mechanism that could put South Korea’s visa-free access at risk if certain factors are present. If there is a rise in visa overstays, asylum applications, or any security-related concerns, South Korea’s status could be reevaluated. Under these circumstances, the visa-free status could be suspended for up to three years, depending on the nature of the issues.

• Country: South Korea
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Visa overstays, security issues, migration concerns
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Malaysia — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

Malaysian citizens are currently granted visa-free access to the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days. However, with the new EU suspension rules, Malaysia could face visa restrictions if there is a significant increase in overstays, security concerns, or issues related to migration. While Malaysia is generally considered a trusted country, these factors could lead to a suspension of their visa-free status for up to three years, depending on the situation.

• Country: Malaysia
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Migration concerns, visa overstays, security issues
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Singapore — Visa-Free Travel Under Review

Citizens of Singapore enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days. However, under the EU’s updated suspension rules, Singapore could be at risk of having its visa-free status revoked or suspended. If there is a rise in overstays, asylum claims, or security issues, Singapore’s access could be restricted. Though Singapore has strong ties with the EU, the suspension mechanism allows for the potential removal of visa-free travel for up to three years if specific conditions are met.

• Country: Singapore
• Visa-Free Status: Short stays (up to 90 days)
• Suspension Risk Factors: Security concerns, visa overstays, migration issues
• Possible Suspension Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Japan Joins South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and More To Face Significant Travel Changes to Europe as the EU introduces new visa suspension rules, triggered by migration, security, and overstay concerns.

Conclusion

Japan, South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and others now face potential travel changes to Europe as the EU introduces new visa suspension rules, triggered by migration, security, and overstay concerns. The updated regulations allow the EU to suspend visa-free access for up to three years if these issues arise. While these countries are traditionally trusted partners, the new rules highlight the EU’s flexibility in managing travel. Travelers from these nations may experience disruptions, making it essential to stay informed about potential changes to their visa-free status and travel plans to Europe.